India's electric vehicle revolution is shifting gears, moving beyond cars and two-wheelers to tackle the challenging heavy-duty truck segment. While traditional manufacturers proceed with caution, a wave of new-age companies is aggressively driving adoption, leading to a significant surge in sales.
New Players Charge Ahead in a Cautious Market
The electrification of India's heavy truck industry, which includes vehicles like tippers and large haulage trucks, has historically lagged behind buses and smaller commercial vehicles. Key obstacles include the high upfront cost of electric trucks, worries about driving range on a single charge, and a still-developing nationwide charging network. Despite these hurdles, focused efforts by emerging manufacturers are beginning to show results.
According to registration data from Vahan, total electric truck sales have more than doubled to over 500 units in the current calendar year, a dramatic jump from approximately 230 units sold in all of 2024. The market now features over ten companies selling electric heavy trucks in the country.
Leading the charge is IPL Tech Electric, a part of the Murugappa Group's TI Clean Mobility based in Chennai. The company has captured a commanding one-third share of the electric heavy truck market in 2025. Another significant contender, Coimbatore's Propel Industries, entered the fray two years ago and is now expanding its lineup with new electric tipper models. The company reports strong demand from mining areas, where its electric trucks can reduce total operating costs by 20% to 30% compared to traditional diesel vehicles, boosting profitability for mine operators. Other active new-age firms include Energy in Motion and Blue Energy Commercial Vehicles.
Traditional OEMs Begin Testing the Electric Waters
Established commercial vehicle giants are also starting to make calculated moves. Ashok Leyland, India's second-largest maker of medium and heavy commercial vehicles, has begun supplying electric heavy trucks to select fleet customers. The company has also partnered with a logistics firm to deploy its AVTR 55-tonne electric trucks, signaling a gradual but serious entry into the space.
P R Krithika, programme lead for electric vehicles at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), notes that while truck electrification in India is in its infancy, viable early applications are becoming clear. "Closed-loop or predictable-route operations such as cement, mining, and ports are seeing early adoption," she explained. "These segments clock high daily kilometres and allow better planning for charging infrastructure, including depot charging and limited on-route chargers."
The Road Ahead: Cost Parity and Government Support
The primary barrier remains the purchase price. Currently, a battery-electric heavy truck can cost nearly three times as much as an equivalent diesel model. However, analysts are optimistic about closing this gap. "Our analysis suggests that the total cost of ownership parity with internal combustion engine trucks could be achieved within the next five years," Krithika added.
Government incentives are crucial to accelerating this transition. Subsidies available under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, along with benefits like interest rate subvention and waivers on road tax and registration fees, can substantially lower the financial burden for buyers. States like Maharashtra are already offering incentives of up to Rs 20 lakh for medium and heavy-duty electric trucks, providing a strong foundation for future growth.
The journey for electric heavy trucks in India is just beginning, but the doubling of sales and the focused approach on specific industrial use cases indicate a steady and promising path forward for greener freight transportation.
