India’s journey towards electrifying the commercial transport sector is taking shape and unfolding in real time. With innovative solutions in place, like the high-capacity depot and corridor solutions, or the battery swapping technology, advanced telematics coupled with the increasing charging network, fleet operators can now confidently plan, execute, and scale their operations, writes Vivek Lohia, Managing Director, Jupiter Group.
What does it take for electric commercial vehicles to become the backbone of modern freight? The answer lies not only in the competency of batteries and motors, but more so in the confidence that these vehicles are compatible for last-mile solutions that span cities and states, powered by an ecosystem of smart charging infrastructure. This confidence, or the range anxiety, is gradually on the track of turning into assurance, thanks to the remarkable technological and infrastructural advances.
Globally, too, EV adoption is gaining momentum, with the number of public charging points having reached almost 4 million by 2023, further strengthening the growth in the EV trend. Empowering this trend is the emergence of ultra-fast and megawatt charging systems, which replenish hundreds of kilometres of range in the equivalent time it takes to load cargo. India, too, is taking strides in scaling its nationwide charging networks as part of its clean mobility mission, aligning the rising logistics sector with its climate goals.
For commercial fleets, this adoption is more than just convenience. It sets the foundation of reliability, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. The question today is not whether electric freight can go the distance, but more about how quickly we can create an ecosystem where the journey is reliable, predictable, efficient, and future-ready.
India’s Electric Freight in Numbers
For commercial fleets, confidence in range is shaped not only by battery capacity but by the certainty of finding a charger when and where it is needed. The Indian EV infrastructure is progressing on this front. The charging systems as of early 2024 stood at 10,000 public charging stations, but NITI Aayog has predicted a requirement of about 46,000 fast chargers by 2030–a target which has positively triggered some of the biggest infrastructure expansions in the country’s transport sector.
Strengthening this momentum are the policy incentives. The launch of the FAME-II scheme and other EV policies at the state level have directed more than INR 20,000 croretowards vehicles, batteries, and charging networks, while highway-focused corridors and other policy rollouts at the city level are encouraging a wider coverage. Every new station added not only eases range anxiety but also empowers supply chains to move more smoothly to their destinations.
India’s reliance on road transport continues, with the heavy-duty trucks estimated to contribute 34-35 percent of total road transport emissions by 2030; the transition to electric freight is nothing but essential. These numbers stand as strong proof that India is not just expanding its charging network, but it is actively and systematically dismantling range anxiety by replacing uncertainty with infrastructure.
Technology as the Confidence Multiplier
In cases of commercial fleets, overcoming range anxiety is less about the size of the battery and more about the infrastructure that supports it. Here, technology becomes the real confidence multiplier.
At the forefront of this transformation are the fast and ultra-fast charging systems. With DC chargers delivering a capacity of 150-350 kW, the heavy-duty vehicles can now be charged in under an hour as opposed to the previous long hours. EV adoption is amping up in the country, with public fast chargers already being deployed along highways under the FAME-II scheme. In essence, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has reported over 12,146 sanctioned fast-charging stations nationwide. This means two important wins for the logistics sector –downtime converted to manageable breaks, eliminating any costly disruptions.
Equally prominent and transformative is the rise in battery swapping technology, especially for fleets on fixed routes. NITI Aayog’s draft Battery Swapping Policy (2022) identified this as a key enabler for commercial vehicles, and pilots in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are already demonstrating how swapping can return trucks and buses to the road within minutes—mirroring the efficiency of conventional refuelling.
Depot and corridor charging is also on the rise. The dedicated freight corridors and other state-supported logistics parks have proven to be natural anchor points for high-capacity charging hubs. For fleet operators, this means reliable and predictable charging opportunities, aligned with the supply chain routes.
Finally, digitisation and telematics are playing a huge role in fleet range management. Real-time state-of-charge monitoring, predictive route planning, and energy management systems give operators visibility and control, turning what was once “range guesswork” into a precise science.
This convergence of technology and smart infrastructure is not only extending kilometres, but is building trust, making electric freight reliable and practical.
Envisioning the Future of Electric Freight
India’s journey towards electrifying the commercial transport sector is taking shape and unfolding in real time. With innovative solutions in place, like the high-capacity depot and corridor solutions, or the battery swapping technology, advanced telematics coupled with the increasing charging network, fleet operators can now confidently plan, execute, and scale their operations. The remarkable convergence of technology and infrastructure is all set to create a predictable, reliable, and efficient ecosystem for electric freight to find its ground.
The broader implications of this electrification extend beyond just operational reliability. The electrification of commercial vehicles in particular aligns with the country’s sustainability ambitions, reducing carbon emissions and improving urban air quality. By 2030, as fleet owners adapt to electric commercial transport, electric freight will not only coexist with conventional transport but will truly redefine the supply chain efficiency.
Ultimately, the shift to EV is a story of opportunity. Seamless acceptance and adoption show how, with thoughtful integration of policy, technology, and infrastructure, an industry that moves millions of tonnes of goods every day can turn into an ideal model of sustainability and efficiency. So, what does it take for electric commercial vehicles to become the backbone of modern freight? It is not only about whether India can electrify its commercial fleets, but also about how quickly we can create an ecosystem where every journey is reliable, efficient, and sustainable – paving the way for both economic growth and a greener logistics ecosystem.