The transport sector, which contributes almost 14% to India’s total energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, urgently needs a decarbonization master plan. The transport sector is projected to have the fastest growing emissions among all other sectors and road freight transport is set to play a significant role in that growth. Driven by rapid economic growth and consumption patterns in India, on-road freight heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) are expected to contribute 60%of the total transport sector emissions by 2050 by some projections. India’s ability to meet its COP26 commitments and newly formed NDCs depends on developing an effective road map for the decarbonization of its transport sector, particularly for road freight movement.

Freight transport decarbonization can be achieved through several strategies, but among them, the transition to zero/low-emission alternative technologies will be a significant one. However, this is not one of the easiest of transitions, given the wide spectrum of operational requirements and models. Freight electrification requires coordinated efforts of policy makers, manufacturers, transporters and other stakeholders. Creating an optimal transition pathway requires a collaborative approach, that allows for information exchange through national and international-level peer-to-peer learning and ideation opportunities to address on-ground challenges. Enabling this conversation and creating an ecosystem for idea exchange will be a significant first step towards achieving the decarbonization goal.

In this light, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with WRI India and World Economic Forum, is launching an e- Freight Platform for enabling road-based electric freight(e-freight) transition. This platform will catalyze learning by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders in the freight sector, including policy makers, freight manufacturers, logistics companies, financiers, and customer industry representatives. The platform will facilitate rich, targeted discussions that can provide strategies towards shaping India’s freight electrification. Such learning exercises are intended to inform decision-making, help develop holistic policy formulation, enable robust day-to-day operations, reduce system-level inefficiencies, and enable an ecosystem transition.