INTENT Launches SCALE Coalition to Drive Adoption of Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks in India

INTENT has launched SCALE Coalition, a first-of-its kind initiative that brings together industry leaders to accelerate the adoption of heavy-duty electric trucks across India. SCALE has been established to aggregate demand from leading companies across sectors, enabling a coordinated transition from diesel-powered fleets to electric alternatives. The coalition is designed as a platform for aggregation, enabling companies to benefit from economies of scale.

Targeted at some of India’s largest emitters, the coalition is built on a shared vision: greener freight that is cleaner, smarter and more cost-effective. By pooling demand and fostering collaboration, SCALE will unlock the economics of electrification – helping companies cut fuel costs while accelerating the country’s transition to zero-emission logistics.

Many of the design principles of SCALE are based on the early design of India’s electric bus programme, which has seen widespread adoption and a reduction in operating costs through better and more standardised contracts.

SCALE is targeted at achieving a total demand of 500 trucks over three years, starting with immediate deployment of the first 50.

“Heavy-duty freight is critical to our economy, but it is also a major contributor to emissions. By uniting industry leaders around the adoption of electric trucks, SCALE will help companies demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can help us transition to cleaner and more efficient mobility. The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s vision for sustainable transport and will contribute meaningfully to our national goals of reducing carbon emissions while enhancing logistics competitiveness,” said Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.

Trucking accounts for 40 per cent of India’s transport-related emissions, is the largest consumer of diesel at 64 per cent, and occupies a significant share of the economic space at 16 per cent of the national GDP. Given that India’s emissions are set to grow for another 25 years owing to high economic growth, a conversion to electric presents a timely opportunity to achieve efficiency, green transportation and reduce freight costs for industry.

“I am thrilled to have the endorsement of the Honourable Minister of Road Transport and Highways for SCALE and am looking forward to foster deeper collaboration with India’s corporate leaders as we look to transition freight to greener alternatives. I am also grateful for the research, continued friendship and support of the many ecosystem partners that have been with us – thank you to RMI for organising today’s event and having us in it. I look forward to building this coalition together with everyone just as we did with electric buses,” said Mahua Acharya, CEO, INTENT.