How an e-truck charging station is helping India’s pollution fight

Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy recently inaugurated India’s first commercial electric truck battery swapping and charging station at Delhi International Cargo Terminal Private Limited (DICT) in Ganaur.

Gadkari claimed that the station would play a significant role in clean energy revolution of the transportation sector of the country. It would prove crucial in reducing logistic cost and help reduce air pollution.

Where has the station been established?

Energy in Motion (EIM) and Ravindra Energy, both private companies, established the station at Panchi Gujran village in Sonepat district. In the first phase, 25 battery-powered commercial trucks are plying on the DICT.

How many diesel vehicles are at the Gannaur terminal?

DICT terminal head Amit Prakash said there were approximately 350 commercial vehicles operating at the terminal in Gannaur, which transported goods across the country.

All these vehicles were diesel-powered, and the firm had decided to make these battery-powered.

In the first phase, 25 electric commercial trucks had arrived at the terminal, and 75 more would arrive soon, he added.

Fourteen electric cranes — used to lift containers — were already in use at the terminal, he added. EIM claims that the entire terminal would soon have electric vehicles.

What is the environmental impact of diesel vehicles?

As per studies conducted by the Centre of Science and Environment (CSE) last year, vehicular movement emerged as the biggest contributor to particulate pollution in Delhi.

According to EIM, trucks account for only 4 per cent of the country’s total vehicle fleet, but are responsible for 30 per cent of its carbon emissions.

If diesel trucks were run on electric or other green fuel, pollution would be significantly reduced.

Pertinently, since diesel trucks emit smoke, their entry is prohibited in the Delhi-NCR region.

How are electric trucks good for the environment?

Electric trucks are not only more efficient, but also cheaper than diesel ones. The electricity used at the Ganaur station is set to be generated by Ravindra Energy’s own solar and wind power projects, making the entire process environment-friendly.

Electric trucks are 100 per cent battery-operated heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Like a diesel truck, these can lift a load of 40 tonnes and travel up to 180 km, all on a single charge.

Usually, electric vehicles require a long time to charge, but these commercial vehicles can replace their batteries in just 5 minutes, for which they need to go to a nearby charging station. Therefore, the station at Gannaur is poised to provide a big push to India’s clean

energy mission.

What other benefits do electric trucks offer?

Since battery prices have witnessed a significant reduction, electric trucks will prove cheaper than diesel ones, even without government subsidies.

Electricity for these is being generated using natural resources, so the process does not cost much. Also, there is no need to pay

pollution tax on electric trucks.

What next?

EIM has decided to increase the number of charging stations in the country, to match the number of petrol pumps. Plans have been made for this, and the company aims to build approximately 250 charging stations. By 2027, 45 more stations will be established in cement, steel, and mining sectors to strengthen the electric vehicle (EV) charging network of the country. These charging stations can charge multiple battery packs simultaneously and directly charge vehicles.

According to the company, 7,000 electric trucks will be on roads in the north zone by 2030.