The e-FAST platform brings together various stakeholders from across the freight ecosystem, to strengthen partnerships, on the supply and demand side, along with identifying and supporting innovative freight electrification solutions. The first-of-its-kind platform aims to raise awareness on freight electrification bolstered by on-ground demonstration pilots, and evidence-based research. e-FAST India will also inform policies aimed at accelerating freight electrification in India.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Sudhendu J. Sinha, Advisor (Infrastructure Connectivity & E-Mobility), NITI Aayog, said, “The freight sector plays a key role in India’s economy enabling the delivery of goods and critical resources. During the COVID crisis, the freight sector sustained its growth, despite disruptions, ensuring a steady movement of essential goods and medical supplies across India.”Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), pointed out, “India being the third-largest truck market after China and the United States, early adoption of zero-emission trucks can be instrumental in not only accelerating its domestic climate imperatives but also supporting global climate action.

Today, nearly 71% of all freight transported in the country is completed by road. Freight activity is expected to increase five-fold by 2050, corresponding to a vehicle stock of about 50 million. Studies have estimated that if left unchecked, freight emissions could grow to over 1,214 million tons by 2050 — a staggering 451% increase from 2020 levels.

Dr OP Agarwal, CEO, WRI India, expounded further, “Road freight is a high-impact area for reducing transport emissions. Expanding fleet sizes and operations, with its implications on greenhouse gas emissions and fuel price volatility, underline the imperative to transition to electric freight.”

The launch of the e-FAST India platform witnessed the participation from major automobile industry players, logistics companies, development banks, fin-tech companies in discussions focusing technology & infrastructure barriers to unlock electrification of intercity freight transportation and policy interventions and financing to unlock electrification of intercity freight transportation.

During the launch, NITI Aayog and RMI India also released a report on ‘Transforming Trucking in India - Pathways to Zero-Emission Truck Deployment’. The report highlights how India can capture the far-reaching benefits of a zero-emission trucks (ZETs) future through a blend of technology advancement, innovative business models, policy, and financing solutions.

The Government of India is currently supporting decarbonising transport sector through a slew of supportive polices including the FAME scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Cell Chemistry (ACC) battery storage, battery swapping, the national e-bus program, and operationalization of a dedicated freight corridor. In addition to these initiatives, developing a unified e-freight platform will pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable transport sector in India.