In a development for India’s logistics and sustainability sectors, Agarwal Packers & Movers Ltd. (APML), Henkel India, and Kalyani Powertrain Ltd. (a Bharat Forge Group company) have launched the country’s first mid-haul re-powered electric truck. This 8-tonne vehicle, equipped with an indigenously developed electric powertrain kit from Kalyani Powertrain, can cover up to 250 kilometers on a single charge while carrying a full cargo load. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the decarbonisation of medium-haul freight transport, a segment that has historically lacked electric mobility solutions. According to project estimates, each truck will help avoid over 50 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, setting a precedent for the future of sustainable freight in India. This launch represents yet another industry-first for APML. Following their pioneering work with double-decker “FlexiDeck” containers for the chemical and allied industries, the company is now at the helm of long-haul electric trucking, establishing a benchmark for green logistics transformation.The newly launched truck will initially operate on two key intercity routes: Chennai to Pune (1,321 km) and Pune to Halol (713 km). To ensure efficiency and minimise downtime, fast DC charging stations have been installed at strategic partner depots along these corridors. This event marks the first time a heavy-duty truck in India has been retrofitted with a fully electric powertrain and deployed on mid-range operational routes. These distances are traditionally considered too long for standard electric vehicles and too short to justify new electric fleet investments.
Speaking at the launch, Ramesh Agarwal of APML emphasised the environmental importance of such innovations. “At APML, we believe that protecting the environment is a responsibility, not just an option or obligation. This electric truck initiative is not only a business decision; it reflects our commitment to a greener, cleaner India,” he stated. The project validates EV retrofitting as a cost-effective, scalable, and low-risk approach to decarbonising India’s freight sector. It sets an operational benchmark, complete with vehicle specifications, charging protocols, and performance metrics for logistics players and government bodies nationwide. This strategic collaboration among three industry leaders establishes a new standard in sustainable transportation. Disclaimer – The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
