Govt starts consultations for subsidy under PM E-DRIVE, e-truck adoption

The Heavy Industries Ministry on Thursday started consultations with stakeholders on the Rs 500 crore subsidy outlay under the PM E-drive scheme and frame guidelines to fast-track the adoption of electric trucks.

In the first meeting on Thursday, officials stressed the need for truck makers, buyers and banks to come together for a faster and smoother transition to e-trucks.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Indian Ports Association, Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, BillionE Mobility, Olectra, Amazon, Flipkart, Switch Labs, Murugappa group Volvo Eicher, Mahindra Trucks, apart from representatives from industry associations like SIAM and ICCT.

During the consultation on e-trucks, Secretary of the Heavy Industries Ministry Kamran Rizvi highlighted that the meeting marks the first-of-its-kind government initiative on e-trucks.

"The e-truck phase has just begun, and India is among the 5-6 countries globally manufacturing e-trucks," Rizvi said.

He also added that in line with India's vision for net zero by 2070, manufacturers, purchasers, and bankers must come together to ensure a fast and smooth transition.

Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary in the Heavy Industries Ministry emphasised the importance of incentives for e-trucks. He highlighted that 18 per cent of pollution is caused by the heavy transport sector, making e-trucks crucial for a cleaner transport network.

The meeting was aimed at engaging in consultations with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and auto component manufacturers to strengthen the e-truck supply ecosystem and drive sustainable mobility forward, officials said.

There were deliberations to explore the demand for e-trucks through consultations with shippers, logistics providers, and industry leaders. The discussion were focusing on sustainable transport solutions for a cleaner future, they added.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme will promote the deployment of e-trucks in the country.