As India accelerates its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), electric Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks (e-MHDTs) are becoming key for decarbonising the logistics industry. Despite this progress, a persistent myth is that charging these large vehicles takes too long, making them impractical for long-distance transportation. However, modern technology and strategic route planning are helping reduce charging time and increasing output.
Understanding charging needs of e-MHDTs
Passenger EV cars generally come with battery capacity of 30 kwh to 100 kwh with an average of 40 kwh in India. The electric truck segment is equipped with batteries of 240-400 kwh. Due to significantly large batteries, they have tailored charging requirements compared to passenger cars. They need a higher capacity charger with suitable space to park and charge.
While passenger EV cars often rely on home charging or public charging stations (60 kwh) for daily use, electric trucks require more robust charging infrastructure to support their extended range and heavy-duty operations. Direct current fast charging is a solution for rapid replenishment of their batteries, enabling efficient operation and minimising downtime. This charging method, along with the integration of intelligent charging strategies such as time-of-use (ToU) charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, dynamic load management, predictive charging integration with renewable energy sources, are essential to meet the unique energy demands of electric trucks.
Faster charging technologies:
The rapid evolution of fast charging technology has accelerated the charging process. LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are becoming popular in electric vehicles owing to their enhanced safety, longer lifespan, and cost-effectiveness. Technological advancements have improved their energy density and fast-charging capabilities, allowing them to charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
High-powered charging stations capable of delivering power output of up to 240 kw are becoming increasingly prevalent in the EV industry, providing e-MHDT operators with convenient and efficient charging options. For example, the EZ chargers by Tata provide 50/60 kwh chargers and a network of 5,000+ public chargers across the country.
Apart from this, Exponent Energy, which is developing fast LFP based chargers, is also developing its network in the southern part of the country and exploring opportunities for other parts of the country. These advanced charging stations can replenish the batteries of e-MHDTs in a fraction of the time required by conventional charging methods. This substantial reduction in charging times is a game-changer, making e-MHDTs a more viable and attractive option for urban and intercity transportation.
Optimising charging strategies for e-MHDT fleets
Depot charging, or overnight charging of e-MHDTs at designated charging facilities, is the foundation of efficient fleet management. By strategically planning routes and integrating depot charging into daily operations, fleet operators can significantly minimise charging downtime. This approach ensures that vehicles are consistently ready for service, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing overall costs. Also, opportunity charging during short breaks or layovers can provide a supplementary boost to the vehicle's range, further optimising the charging schedule.
Evolution of charging infrastructure landscape
India is rapidly scaling its EV charging infrastructure, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) committing to install charging stations every 40-60 kms along 40,000 kms of national highways. At least 700 stations are planned. Over 5,293 public charging stations have already been established along national highways. This network is useful for trucks to recharge during rest breaks, minimising downtime. Fast chargers can restore up to 80% of battery capacity in 30-40 minutes. Under the government’s PM E-DRIVE scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries continues to drive the development of charging stations.
With fast-charging technologies, strategic charging infrastructure, and ongoing government support, companies can expect significant cost savings while reducing their carbon footprint. Innovations like battery swapping stations, which allow quick battery replacements, are also emerging as viable solutions for minimising charging times.
Curious to know more? Take a look at our work on electric trucks here.