Tata Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) to deploy 40 heavy-duty trucks powered by Green Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2 ICE). The agreement was signed in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The project involves a trial phase with a single hydrogen-powered prime mover, followed by the deployment of the remaining fleet over the next two years. Funding for the initiative is provided by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways as part of a national strategy to decarbonise maritime logistics.

To support the fleet, VOCPA is developing a 2 MW electrolyser and a hydrogen refuelling station within the port. The trucks selected for this deployment are Tata Prima 55-tonne prime movers. These vehicles utilise H2 ICE technology, which adapts internal combustion principles to run on hydrogen instead of diesel, aiming for zero-tailpipe CO2 emissions.

The Prima trucks include driver-assist safety features and cabins designed to reduce fatigue during cargo handling operations. Tata Motors previously initiated hydrogen truck trials on freight corridors in 2025 and currently operates 15 hydrogen fuel cell buses in India.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, VOCPA, said, “Our partnership with Tata Motors marks a transformative step in VOC Port’s push to achieve net-zero emissions. The deployment of green hydrogen-powered trucks will significantly decarbonise our cargo handling operations while setting a benchmark for sustainable port-led logistics in India. To support the phased induction of these Green Hydrogen trucks, the port is also progressing plans to establish a 2 MW electrolyser and a dedicated hydrogen refueling station. This project along with various other initiatives related to green fuels reinforces our commitment towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem and positioning VOC Port as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure.”

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President and Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors, said, “Our collaboration with V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority marks an important milestone in bringing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucking into real-world port operations. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the port authorities to assess pathways for hydrogen trucks in cargo handling applications. This pilot will help demonstrate the potential of assessing the TCO parity and with Green Hydrogen in supporting the transition of India’s ports towards cleaner and more sustainable logistics solutions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, has secured an order for more than 100 units of its Ape Xtra Bada 700 cargo three-wheeler from HeidelbergCement India.

The three-wheelers will be deployed across 53 districts in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. This order marks the entry of the new diesel cargo model into industrial applications.

The Ape Xtra Bada 700 features a 700 DI diesel engine, a 7-foot cargo deck and a payload capacity of 750 kg, which is the highest in the three-wheeler cargo segment. The vehicle is equipped with 12-inch radial tyres, a digital instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch LCD and an optional rear sensor for reversing.

The vehicle architecture includes a chassis and suspension geometry designed for stability and load distribution. The cabin is engineered for long-distance operation and the engine is tuned for torque and pickup. Piaggio offers a five-year warranty on the model. The company positions this three-wheeler as a replacement for entry-level four-wheeler small commercial vehicles (SCVs) due to its operating economics.

Amit Sagar, Executive Vice President, CV Domestic Business & Retail Finance, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “This flagship order from Heidelberg Cement India Limited is a strong validation of the Ape Xtra Bada 700’s disruptive capabilities. At Piaggio India, we have always believed in pushing the boundaries of innovation in the last-mile mobility segment. The Ape Xtra Bada 700 sets new industry benchmarks in engine capacity, deck size and payload, and is designed to empower customers with more productivity and superior earnings. Breaking into applications traditionally dominated by 4-wheeler SCV marks an important milestone in our journey of offering better TCO and profitability to our customers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors, one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has received orders for more than 5,000 buses and bus chassis from various State Transport Undertakings (STUs) across India. The company secured these orders through a competitive e-bidding process with deliveries scheduled to take place in phases according to agreements with the respective transport corporations.

The orders were placed by several organisations, including the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), among others. The contract includes models such as the Tata Magna, Cityride and Starbus, as well as LPO 1618, 1622 and 1822 chassis variants. These vehicles are designed for intercity, long-haul and intracity operations.

The company's passenger vehicle portfolio includes vehicles ranging from 9-seater to 55-seater capacities. To support these fleets, Tata Motors provides Sampoorna Seva 2.0, a vehicle lifecycle management programme. This service includes maintenance, spare parts availability and breakdown assistance through a network of over 4,500 sales and service touchpoints.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head, Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “This recognition by multiple State Transport Undertakings reflects the deep trust placed in Tata Motors’ mobility solutions. Our buses are designed to deliver comfort, safety and long‑term reliability across varied terrains and duty cycles. With strong product engineering and a lifecycle support ecosystem built around customer uptime, we continue to enable STUs to serve millions of passengers every day. These cumulative orders strengthen our position as the country’s preferred mobility partner and reinforce our commitment to shaping India’s public transport of tomorrow.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

New-Delhi-based tech-driven logistics company Cargo Matters (Parmelee Cargo Matters Logistic Solutions) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish an integrated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and charging hub.

The project involves a total investment of INR 1 billion and focuses on the electrification of heavy commercial vehicles. The firm has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) for 18 acres of land in Madanapalle.

The facility will include a manufacturing block for chargers, a retrofit facility for heavy vehicles, and a research and development unit for validation and certification. Half of the investment, amounting to INR 500 million, is designated for charging infrastructure to support regional heavy-duty corridors. Operations are expected to begin within 12 to 18 months, with full commissioning planned within 24 months.

The project is estimated to create 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs in the region. Located near the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the hub is situated 100 km from Bengaluru and 250 km from Chennai to facilitate logistics connectivity. The initiative aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0 (2024–2029).

Cargo Matters operates a fleet of more than 400 trucks across 15,000 pincodes and counts the likes of Tata Steel, DHL and Havells among its customers. The company uses data integration through the National ULIP to manage full truckload and less-than-truckload services.

The Madanapalle facility is intended to provide fleet owners with pathways to electrification through vehicle retrofitting and dedicated charging networks.

Umesh Padala, Founder & Chairman, Cargo Matters, said, "This MoU represents our commitment to practical decarbonization. While the passenger EV market is maturing, the heavy freight sector remains the final frontier. Our Madanapalle facility will provide fleet owners with a cost-effective pathway to electrification through advanced retrofitting and dedicated heavy-duty charging networks."

P N Mahesh, Director, APIIC, added, "As part of our commitment to building a green and future-ready logistics ecosystem, we are pleased that Cargo Matters has chosen Madanapalle for its upcoming hub. The project aligns with the Andhra Pradesh Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0 (2024–2029) and strengthens our ‘Green Freight’ vision. Strategically located near the borders of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Bengaluru about 100 km away and Chennai around 250 km away, Madanapalle offers excellent connectivity for logistics operations. The initiative will generate nearly 1,000 direct and 3,000 indirect jobs, creating meaningful opportunities for the region’s youth."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

John Deere has introduced its 5M series, featuring the 130HP 5130M tractor, at the John Deere Power and Technology Show. The launch marks an expansion of the company’s high-horsepower offerings in the Indian market, where it has operated for over 27 years.

The 5130M model incorporates a front hitch and front power take-off (PTO) application, allowing for the simultaneous use of implements at the front and rear of the machine. This configuration is designed to improve field efficiency and reduce the number of passes required for crop operations.

John Deere showcased several digital and automated solutions aimed at precision farming. These technologies focus on resource optimisation and input cost reduction.

Key technology launches include:

• 5E AutoTrac: A vehicle guidance system designed for straight-row accuracy to reduce overlaps and gaps during tilling and seeding.
• GreenSystem Link: A factory-fitted connectivity kit providing data integration for machine monitoring.
• Radial Tyres: Standardisation of 100 percent radial tyres on the 5405 and 5075E models to reduce soil compaction and improve traction.

The company’s Indian operations serve as a hub for research and development, engineering, and global IT. John Deere currently exports products manufactured in India to 110 countries. The strategy involves adapting global innovations to local conditions while supporting government sustainability goals for 2047.

Rajesh Sinha, MD & Country Manager, John Deere India, said, “The core of John Deere’s strategy revolves around integration of precision agriculture, digital solutions for SMART connected machines that enable farmers to produce more with fewer resources. The recent technologies launched are designed to optimize field operations & input cost, precise crop care solutions ensuring soil and environmental sustainability. John Deere’s India footprint continues to be significant and important for global operation from the R&D, Engineering, Global IT, Supply chain, Road Construction beside manufacturing and talent.”

Ramakant Garg, Sales & Marketing India Director, added, “The advanced farm technologies and evolving agronomy practices go hand in hand and thus John Deere is committed to align these for futuristic agricultural practices. The Power and Technology 7.0 is a step in that direction. In the past John Deere has been leading technologically superior products for Indian markets and we take pride in continuing in do so in today’s technology event.”

Mukul Varshney, Region 1 Government Affairs Director, stated, “The government’s sustainability goal for 2047 can best be supported by John Deere that makes us even more responsible and accountable beyond products and services. We witness a very favourable ecosystem that helps us further our efforts to collaborate with stakeholders such as academia, research institutions and industry.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!