GoI launches firste-truck incentive scheme under PM Modi's green mobility concept.
 
The Ministry of HeavyIndustries, Government of India has launched a scheme to provide financialincentives for electric trucks (e-trucks) under the PM e-Drive initiative. Forthe first time, the central government is providing direct support for electrictrucks with an aim to accelerate the transition to clean, efficient, andsustainable freight transportation in the country.

Highlighting theimportance of the scheme, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said, “Even thoughdiesel trucks account for only 3.0 per cent of the total vehicle population,their contribution to transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions is 42 percent, and they significantly increase air pollution. This scheme, led by PrimeMinister Shri Narendra Modi, provides India's first dedicated assistance forelectric trucks. This plan will take our country towards sustainable freightmobility, clean future, and achieving a developed India by 2047 in line withour net-zero emission target by 2070.”

Under this scheme,demand incentives will be applicable to electric trucks in N2 and N3 categories,as defined under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. To ensure reliability andperformance, the plan mandates comprehensive manufacturer-backed guarantees.
To promoteaffordable prices, the incentive amount will depend on the GVW of electric trucksand the maximum incentive amount has been fixed at INR9.60-lakh per vehicle. Theincentive will be given as an advance deduction in the purchase price and willbe refunded to OEMs through the PM e-drive portal on a ‘first-come, first-serve’priority basis.

The scheme isexpected to help in the deployment of around 5,600 e-trucks across the country.To address the serious air quality challenges in the capital, a dedicated provisionhas been made for 1,100 e-trucks registered in Delhi at an estimated cost ofINR100-crore.
Several leadingautomakers like Volvo Eicher, Tata Motors, and Ashok Leyland have alreadystarted manufacturing electric freight cars in India. Due to this, indigenouscapacity is being enhanced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision.

In a strongdisplay of CPSE leadership, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has pledgedto procure 150 e-trucks for deployment at multiple locations over the next two years.In addition, SAIL has set an internal target to ensure that at least 15 percent of all vehicles hired in its segments will be electric.

“The latestincentives for electric trucks under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme are a timely andprogressive step, introduced under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PrimeMinister Shri Narendra Modi and guided by Union Minister for Heavy Industries andSteel, Shri H D Kumaraswamy. It’s encouraging to see focused support forelectric trucks, which play a crucial role in decarbonizing India’s logisticssector.
What makes thisscheme particularly impactful is its linkage to the scrappage of older vehiclesdelivering both environmental and economic benefits. The targeted focus onDelhi NCR also reflects a strong commitment to addressing air qualitychallenges in one of India’s most affected regions.
At VECV, we fullywelcome this forward-looking policy. It not only advances India’ssustainability goals but also offers meaningful financial support to fleetowners ready to adopt zero-emission solutions.”


- VinodAggarwal,
ManagingDirector and CEO, 
VE CommercialVehicles.