The commercial EV scene in India has just advanced significantly! India’s first mid-haul repowered electric truck programme for sustainable freight operations has been formally launched by Henkel Adhesive Technologies in partnership with an EV retrofitting and logistics partner.
This game-changing pilot project connects two key industrial corridors:
- Chennai to Pune (1,321 km)
- Pune to Halol (713 km)
The commercial EV scene in India has just advanced significantly! India’s first mid-haul repowered electric truck programme for sustainable freight operations has been formally launched by Henkel Adhesive Technologies in partnership with an EV retrofitting and logistics partner.
This game-changing pilot project connects two key industrial corridors:
- Chennai to Pune (1,321 km)
- Pune to Halol (713 km)
With a payload capacity of up to 8 tonnes and a range of 250 km per charge, each repowered electric vehicle is perfect for intercity commercial transport.
Paving the Road to Net-Zero Emissions
This pilot project is a critical step in lowering Henkel’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions as the company aligns its operations with its global net-zero goal for 2045.
“This shift from conventional drivetrains towards sustainable alternatives such as re-powered electric trucks will go a long way in abating our logistics emissions.” – A spokesperson for Henkel India
The potential for a large-scale environmental benefit is demonstrated by Henkel’s estimate that a round-trip flight between Chennai and Pune will eliminate over 1,212 kg of GHG emissions.
What Powers the Re-Powered EV Trucks?
An economical and environmentally friendly option for mid-haul logistics is provided by the trucks utilised in this project, which are old diesel-powered vehicles that have been completely converted to electric powertrains.
Key Specs:
- Range: 250 km per charge
- Payload: Up to 8 tons
- Routes Covered: Chennai–Pune, Pune–Halol
- Emission Savings per Trip: ~1.2 tonnes CO₂
Henkel’s India Footprint
Henkel Adhesive Technologies India Pvt Ltd is a prominent manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings with its headquarters located in Navi Mumbai. The business runs:
- 4 manufacturing plants
- Multiple innovation hubs
- A global technology center
The global Henkel Group, of which the Indian division is a part, reported €10.97 billion in revenue from adhesives alone in 2024, or 51% of total revenue.
Why This Matters for India’s EV Freight Sector
The start of Henkel’s electric truck business complements India’s larger EV adoption, green logistics, and sustainable transportation goals. Over the next ten years, mid-haul electric transportation is anticipated to increase at an accelerated rate because of government incentives under the National Logistics Policy and FAME II.