How grassroots conversations are shaping the future of electric trucks in India, field-level engagement is helping drivers, fleet owners, and mechanics better understand how electric trucking could fit into their everyday lives

JAMMU: According to NITI Aayog’s 2025 report, 'Unlocking a $200 Billion Opportunity', India has made steady progress in electric two-wheelers and buses and has emerged as a leader in electric three-wheelers. Adoption of electric trucks, however, remains slower at this stage. Even so, the segment presents clear scope for growth, especially as awareness, infrastructure, and use-case clarity continue to improve.

Electric trucks are currently finding early use in specific segments of India’s freight ecosystem. Of the 8,34,578 trucks sold in India in 2024, 6,220 were electric, with nearly 95 per cent, around 5,940 vehicles, below 3.5 tonnes and typically deployed on short-haul routes. A smaller number, 280 electric trucks, were in the above-3.5-tonne category, which is more closely associated with long-haul freight.

That momentum is beginning to build. Grassroots awareness initiatives are underscoring the importance of informed decision-making among drivers and fleet owners. One such effort is Nayi Soch Ki Sawari (NSKS), which is  opening up conversations and helping drivers, owners, and fleet operators better understand what a shift to electric trucks could mean in practical, day-to-day terms.

By amplifying the voices of those who have been operating electric trucks and breaking down technical concepts into simple, relatable conversations, NSKS has replaced hesitation with curiosity among participants, who are starting to see how electric trucks could fit into familiar routes, contracts, and daily work patterns.

For Veer Singh, an electric truck driver from Swaroopganj, Rajasthan, the shift has been both practical and personal. He began driving an electric truck earlier this year. “When I first started, my friends couldn’t believe the truck was switched on because it was so quiet. Later, I felt proud when I told them that my company is producing its own fuel through solar panels that power the charging points. Fixed routes and long-term contracts make electric trucks viable, but many drivers are still not aware of these benefits.” His experience reflects how electric trucks can offer quieter drives, familiar routes, and greater comfort at work.

NSKS has organised over 350 offline engagement events across 95 districts in 21 states, reaching over 7,000 individuals from the trucking community.

As part of its engagement efforts, NSKS conducted a perception survey during its offline engagement events, including drivers, mechanics, and fleet operators. Findings showed high enthusiasm among drivers, with 95% willing to try electric trucks. The survey also revealed that from 48% feeling uncertain about the power and performance of electric trucks, 70% now exhibit confidence in the eTruck technology after seeing an electric truck in person, indicating growing openness when the science behind the technology is better understood.

Kritica Mahajan, Project Lead for NSKS, says, “Apprehensions still exist, and that’s okay. We’ve heard the concerns about charging access, reliability, and the fear that change could come at the cost of livelihoods. The initiative doesn’t dismiss those realities - it addresses them with accurate, factual information. And we’re seeing a clear change - they’re asking better questions, considering solutions, and approaching the transition with a more balanced and solutions-oriented view.”

As awareness grows, these on-ground efforts suggest that India’s trucking community is beginning to see how electric trucks could fit into everyday realities, with the potential for greater comfort, stability, and long-term security, given the right information and support. From concerns about performance, the conversations are shifting to demands for supporting infra solutions.