likely in 2 years: Vellayan Subbiah

India’s trucking sector is on the brink of a major transformation, with widespread adoption of electric trucks expected within the next two years, according to Vellayan Subbiah, vice-chairman of Montra Electric and a fourth-generation leader of the Murugappa Group. Speaking at the launch of Montra Electric’s heavy-duty Rhino 5538 truck in New Delhi on Sunday, Subbiah predicted that electric mobility will redefine the logistics sector, driven by battery swapping technology and supportive government policies.

70% truck electrification within a decade

Subbiah forecast that 70% of trucks in India could be electrified within the next 10 years. He emphasised that while the current phase is dominated by pilot projects, logistics companies are now preparing to move towards large-scale deployments, marking the start of mainstream adoption.

The forecast aligns with India’s broader clean mobility ambitions, where both public and private players are accelerating investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

Battery swapping to power long-haul adoption

One of the biggest enablers of e-truck adoption will be battery swapping solutions, Subbiah said. By allowing trucks to replace depleted batteries within minutes, swapping significantly reduces downtime, making long-haul operations more efficient for fleet operators.

He added that the growing availability of high-capacity batteries and advancements in charging infrastructure will further ease operational challenges, boosting confidence among logistics players.

Government support a key driver

Government schemes aimed at subsidising EV charging infrastructure and battery swapping stations are expected to play a crucial role in accelerating adoption. With incentives under programmes like PM E-Drive, stakeholders believe the transition to electric trucking will be faster and smoother.

Market momentum with new models

Montra Electric’s launch of the Rhino 5538, a heavy-duty truck equipped with battery swapping technology, highlights the sector’s readiness for change. Positioned for long-haul logistics, the Rhino 5538 signals that commercial trucking in India is preparing for an electrified future.

Industry experts believe that with companies like Montra Electric driving innovation and policymakers backing the shift, India’s trucking sector could soon become one of the world’s fastest adopters of e-trucks.