West Bengal is set to play a pivotal role in scaling up electric trucks in India, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), an independent non- profit organization. With the state’s robust electric vehicle (EV) policy and infrastructure plans, West Bengal is poised to become a key player in the electrification of the transport sector, significantly contributing to India’s climate goals. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) recently set up an EV taskforce wherein the ICCT will lead the work on electrification of trucks and supporting infrastructure in India. As part of this taskforce, ICCT along with partners will build an action plan for the adoption of e-trucks and supporting infrastructure in India.
The Imperative for Electric Trucks in India The transport sector is the fastest-growing contributor to climate change, according to national and international studies. Increased uptake of EVs is crucial for India to meet its objectives under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As global temperatures rise, it is imperative to assess the climate, environmental, and economic impact of the shift to electric transport in India to ensure an equitable transition to clean transportation. West Bengal’s Commitment to Electrification “Electric truck registrations are negligible in India, with only around 250 trucks registered to date. This segment is relatively new compared to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars,” said Amit Bhatt, Indian Managing Director, ICCT. “West Bengal’s EV policy proposes significant investments in charging infrastructure, which is crucial for the electrification of trucks. The state’s commitment to EVs is evident, with strong policies and plans to support the transition.”
Kolkata’s Role in Reducing GHG Emissions According to Palak Thakur, Senior Researcher at ICCT in India, “As per the Roadmap for Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Kolkata, transportation contributes 18% to the total CO2 emissions of the city. The document estimated emissions from vehicles on the roads in 2008 at 378 tons/day and projects this to be 749 tons/day in 2025, primarily from buses. This underscores the crucial need for transitioning to electric buses.” “With policy support from FAME and state EV policies, the uptake of electric buses is visible in Indian cities. West Bengal, particularly Kolkata, is set to benefit significantly from these initiatives,” added Thakur. The electrification of trucks and buses is a significant step towards reducing GHG emissions and mitigating climate change impacts. With West Bengal being part of the charge, supported by comprehensive policies and infrastructure development, India is poised to make substantial progress in its transition to clean transportation.
