Why electric trucks in India are stirring up the logistics world
When I think of trucks, I picture diesel engines, rumbling chassis and fuel stops. But in India the picture is shifting: electric trucks are increasingly being viewed not just as a novelty, but as a realistic alternative. According to industry estimates, the market size for electric trucks in India is expected to grow significantly — one report finds it could jump from around USD 1.44 billion in 2024 to nearly USD 9.87 billion by 2035.
And the government isn’t sitting idle. Subsidies, policies and logistic-sector pressure are pushing the shift. For instance, freight and transport account for a large share of emissions and electrifying trucks is part of the path to cleaner logistics.
So if you’re wondering “why now?”, the simple answer: economics + ecology + policy.
What kinds of electric trucks are out there
Turns out, there’s a spectrum. From smaller delivery-trucks (think city runs) to heavier duty long haul rigs.
- On the lighter end are last-mile delivery trucks – ideal for tight city lanes.
- On the heavier side, you’ve got bigger payload electric trucks designed for inter-city freight.
For example: one blog lists the top electric trucks in India for 2025 and highlights range, battery pack sizes and payloads.
It’s sort of like comparing bicycles and motorcycles: both get you from A to B, but the “bike” for urban runs is very different from the “motorcycle” for the highway. Similarly here.
Benefits: what you gain by switching
There are a few clear wins:
- Lower running costs: Electric motors need less maintenance, no diesel fuel bills (well, you pay for electricity, but still fewer moving parts).
- Cleaner environment: Fewer tail-pipe emissions, which is a big deal in urban and semi-urban hubs.
- A fresh image: For companies doing logistics, switching to electric trucks shows they’re sustainable — which can be a credible differentiator.
Interestingly, some logistic companies in India already see electric trucks as a long-term cost saver rather than just a green gesture.
But — the real world hurdles
Let’s not pretend it’s all perfect. Some issues remain.
- Charging infrastructure: Especially for heavy trucks needing fast turnaround and high range, the charging ecosystem still has gaps.
- Upfront cost: The initial purchase price of electric trucks is often higher than diesel counterparts. That means payback needs to be seen to justify it.
- Range & payload trade-offs: For heavier duty tasks, range still lags and you might have to compromise on payload or accept longer stops.
- Road-readiness & fleet adaptation: Logistics companies used to diesel have to adjust operations: charging schedules, downtime, battery life etc.
A whitepaper analysing e-trucks in India emphasises these as the big “buts” in the narrative.
What this means for Indian businesses & the future
If you’re a business owner or thinking ahead (maybe you will be), here are some take-aways:
- If you do urban deliveries (shorter distances, predictable routes), electric trucks in India already make a solid case.
- If you’re in long-haul freight, maybe don’t pull the plug on diesel trucks tomorrow — but start planning for the transition.
- Keep an eye on government incentives: subsidies, favourable taxes, state-level policies can tilt the balance.
- Watch the infrastructure growth: more fast chargers along highways = electric trucks become a no-brainer.
And on the macro level: India anticipates significant growth in this segment — strong CAGR forecasts (e.g., around 15-19% per year) suggest this isn’t a niche toy for long.
FAQ
Q1. Are electric trucks in India available right now?
Yes — there are already models being offered, especially for light and medium duty applications.
Q2. Do they make financial sense compared to diesel trucks?
Often yes for urban/last-mile use, thanks to lower running costs. But for heavy duty or longer distances, the economics depend a lot on charging costs, downtime and infrastructure.
Q3. Will switching to electric trucks reduce emissions significantly?
Likely yes — especially in urban and regional logistics, where trucks run many hours per day and emissions add up. Also aligns with India’s broader net-zero goals.
Q4. What’s a realistic range for electric trucks in India today?
Ranges vary widely depending on model and load. Some medium duty trucks aim for a couple of hundred kilometres in realistic duty.
Closing thoughts
So at the end of the day, electric trucks in India feel like one of those “the future is already here but still being built” kind of things. They’re real, they’re viable in certain contexts, but they’re not yet flawless across the board. For a shipping-company in a city, making the switch might already make a lot of sense. For the long-haulers — keep watching, keep planning.
Honestly, I’m excited by what this means for cleaner transportation in India. And also curious — how fast the transition will really be when everything from charging stations to business models lines up. If you’re thinking of diving into this space (or just want to peek at what your local fleet might look like in a few years), you’re in good time. Let’s keep an eye on it together.
