In a landmark step toward sustainable logistics, India’s first fleet of electric heavy-duty trucks with swappable batteries was launched at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on September 25, 2025. The fleet was flagged off by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, at Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal, marking a key milestone in India’s efforts to decarbonise port operations. A total of 50 EV trucks were inducted into JNPA’s internal fleet, with plans to scale up to 80 by the end of the year and achieve 90% conversion of its 600-truck fleet to electric vehicles by December 2026.
Swappable Battery Technology: A Game Changer
- The fleet includes battery-swapping capability, allowing trucks to replace depleted batteries in minutes, eliminating long charging downtimes.
- Alongside the fleet, a dedicated heavy-duty battery swapping station was also inaugurated.
- This approach supports continuous operations while enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions, making it ideal for high-volume port environments.
Economic and Environmental Impact
As India’s largest container port, handling nearly half of India’s container traffic, JNPA’s transition to EVs sets a powerful precedent for other major ports.
Benefits of the EV Truck Fleet,
- Reduces operational carbon emissions
- Decreases particulate pollution and noise levels
- Improves fuel efficiency and lowers logistics costs
- Demonstrates commercial viability of EVs in cargo operations
The initiative also strengthens India’s global competitiveness in green shipping and port digitalisation.
MoU with Ashoka University for Tariff Benchmarking
- In a parallel development during the event, JNPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP), Ashoka University.
- This partnership will help develop a tariff benchmarking framework for Indian ports, aimed at enhancing pricing transparency and competitiveness across cargo types and port services.
- This is a strategic move to streamline port economics and align India’s maritime practices with global standards.
For Static
- Event Date: 25 September 2025
- Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Maharashtra
- Launched By: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports
- EV Fleet Goal: 90% conversion of 600 trucks by 2026
- Special Feature: Swappable battery system for heavy-duty EVs
- Policy Links: PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, Maritime India Vision 2030
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