Smart Freight Centre (SFC) India, in collaboration with DC Office and Regional Transport Office (RTO), Mysuru, and Beyond Urban as the knowledge partner, convened a regional workshop on Zero-Emission Trucks (ZETs) under NITI Aayog’s e-FAST India initiative. The workshop marks the 11th city engagement in Smart Freight Centre (SFC) India’s pan-India campaign to accelerate freight decarbonization.
The event brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, logistics, startups, and academia to discuss and explore the future of freight electrification. The Mysuru ZET Awareness Initiative focused on enhancing ecosystem readiness for electric truck adoption by fostering knowledge sharing and in-depth discussions on several critical areas. These included global developments and national policies supporting e-truck deployment, the technological and operational aspects of Zero-Emission Trucks (ZETs), and government incentives under schemes like PM e-Drive and scrappage programs. Additionally, the event explored city-level opportunities for freight electrification in Mysuru and Karnataka, while addressing operational risks, financing challenges, and the standard operating procedures for successful deployment.
Shri Vasant Chavan, Joint Commissioner, Mysuru
“Freight trucks, though only 3% of India’s vehicle stock, contribute 42% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonizing freight is critical to India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment. Under the PM e-Drive scheme, incentives of up to ₹9.6 lakh per truck and scrappage-linked benefits are being introduced for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Mysuru, as a logistics hub with strong industrial connectivity, can lead Karnataka’s EV transition.”
The panel discussion, “State Dialogue on e-Trucks in Karnataka,” explored pathways to transition the trucking industry towards sustainable transport, with valuable insights from local stakeholders and industry leaders. Key topics included driver skill enhancement, with the RTO Mysuru highlighting plans for integrating EV training, and the regulatory incentives supporting EV adoption, such as road tax exemptions and toll waivers under review.
Professor Dr Aditya Gupta, COO, TCI–Supply Chain Sustainability Lab and Supply Chain Management Centre, IIM Bangalore
“Despite operational cost advantages, electric trucks face hurdles in upfront costs, financing, charging infrastructure, and model availability. Pilot corridors such as Bengaluru–Chennai show strong potential, but we need coordinated investments, financing innovation, and shipper participation to accelerate adoption. Southern India, with its strong manufacturing base and port connectivity, is well-positioned to lead.”
The conversation also addressed industry adoption barriers like high upfront costs, limited long-haul EV models, range anxiety, and cautious financing from banks and NBFCs. However, the region's strong freight corridors, industrial connectivity, and the Kadakola MMLP were identified as unique opportunities for the early deployment of Zero-Emission Trucks in Mysuru.
Pramod Rajendran from Smart Freight Centre India:
“We have been working across India to accelerate the transition to low- and zero-emission freight. Mysuru, strategically located along NH-275 with access to the new Multi-Modal Logistics Park at Kadakola, is a strong candidate for early freight electrification. Through this workshop, we aim to identify regional challenges, share global best practices, and explore opportunities for electric truck deployment in Karnataka and beyond.”
The Mysuru ZET Awareness initiative marked a significant step towards accelerating freight decarbonization in Karnataka. With strong support from NITI Aayog’s e-FAST program, local government bodies, and industry leaders, the event fostered crucial dialogue on overcoming adoption barriers and seizing regional opportunities for electric truck deployment.
