India’s top truck makers, including Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Eicher Motors, and startups like EKA Mobility and Omega Seiki, are partnering with companies like Amazon, Bisleri, Blinkit, and Amul to develop small electric commercial vehicles (e-SCVs) to cater to the growing demand for quick commerce and doorstep deliveries. These e-SCVs are expected to revolutionize the SCV segment, reducing operating costs and helping multinational corporations meet their zero-emission fleet targets by 2030.
Tata Motors, the country’s largest commercial vehicle maker, has seen a 40% growth in demand for its electric ACE SCV in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, with over 70 corporate customers already on board. Eicher Motors, meanwhile, has announced the launch of its Pro X range of e-SCVs, which has been “co-created” with drivers and logistics players.
The demand for e-SCVs is driven by the growing need for last-mile delivery solutions for e-commerce, cold chains, parcel/courier, and FMCG companies. Electric SCVs are up to 50% pricier than their diesel counterparts, but operating costs are significantly lower, making them a more cost-effective option if used for 80-90 km per day. Industry experts predict that 25-30% of the 500,000 annual SCV market will shift to electric vehicles in the next five years.
Companies like Amul, Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM), and EKA Mobility are also exploring the potential for customised electric vehicle solutions for quick commerce, e-commerce, and refrigerated vans, with OSM expecting a major shift to electric vehicles in the next 3-5 years. While the key challenges include battery charging frequency and longevity, companies are working to develop solutions that balance capital expenditure and operating costs.
Overall, the introduction of e-SCVs is expected to accelerate the growth of the SCV segment and help companies meet their sustainability goals, while also benefiting the environment and reducing costs.