Shaping the Future of Heavy-Duty Transportation in India

1. Shaping the Future of Heavy-Duty Transportation in India Although electric trucks hold promise for revolutionizing heavy-duty transportation in India, they're not the sole solution. Another emerging contender is hydrogen fuel cell-powered trucks. Harnessing hydrogen and oxygen, these cells generate electricity, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. Offering long-range capabilities and swift refueling times, they present a viable option for heavy-duty trucks traversing extensive distances with minimal downtime. Already, nations like Japan and Germany are delving into hydrogen-fueled truck experiments. In India, a consortium led by Indian Oil Corporation is delving into the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cells for transportation. Should their efforts succeed, hydrogen-powered trucks could provide a competitive alternative to electric ones, particularly for long-haul routes where range anxiety and charging infrastructure pose significant concerns. Beyond electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, biofuels offer another avenue for mitigating heavy-duty trucks' environmental impact. Derived from renewable sources like crops, animal fats, and waste materials, biofuels provide a carbon-neutral or even

2. carbon-negative substitute for conventional fossil fuels. India boasts abundant agricultural and waste resources, rendering it ripe for biofuel production. The government has already initiated measures to promote biofuel usage, including ethanol blending targets and policies supporting biodiesel production. However, scaling up biofuel production and distribution for heavy-duty trucks demands substantial investment and infrastructure enhancement, necessitating collaboration among farmers, biofuel producers, and the transportation sector.