India’s electric freight sector has immense potential, but traditional financing and business models aren’t enough for increased adoption. New approaches are needed to overcome high upfront electric truck costs and range anxiety. 

Financing models should also be revamped. New approaches, such as battery financing, public-private partnerships for charging stations, leasing, green and sustainability bonds, and others, can provide long-term financing for electric freight companies. 

C40 Cities is driving the switch to electric freight vehicles (EFVs) in India through its Laneshift program. We’re working closely with shipping companies to identify ideal opportunities for EFV use. This results-focused approach ensures that plans translate into real-world projects.  To further this goal, C40 Cities is hosting a workshop on “Adoption Pathways for Electric Truck Deployment” in Mumbai this year (October 2024). This event will provide a platform for discussion with key decision-makers in India’s freight industry.

Objective of the session

The “Adoption Pathways for Electric Truck Deployment” session explores innovative strategies that can drive the large-scale adoption of electric freight vehicles (EFVs). It will discuss:

• Demand generation pathways for EFVs
• New financing mechanisms and business models that can support the large-scale adoption of EFVs
• Enabling conditions for driving these new models.

Participants will discuss the pathways for demand for EFVs and identify new financial mechanisms, business models, and the necessary conditions to support these transformative approaches. By addressing financing frameworks for the transition to electric freight, the session aims to empower stakeholders to take concrete steps toward integrating EFVs into their decarbonization goals.

This event highlights the necessary actions required by various players in the freight ecosystem for the transition to electric freight vehicles to flourish. The session is a collaborative platform where these stakeholders can exchange ideas and examine solutions to overcome financing and risk barriers. By bringing together industry leaders and financial experts, the session will focus on demand generation and refining business models and financial strategies through new mechanisms to accelerate EFV adoption across the industry. The insights gained from this session are expected to guide the development of financial frameworks that support a sustainable transition to electric freight vehicles.

Agenda