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Ashok Leyland showcases its 55-tonne electric tractor-trailer, aiming to lead the shift towards greener heavy commercial vehicles.
By Robin Kumar Attri
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group in India, unveiled its 55-tonne electric tractor-trailer at a special expo in Calcutta. The showcase marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to bring electric heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) to the market.
The new 55-tonne electric tractor-trailer, known as the AVTR 55T, features a 300kWh battery with a driving range of 185 kilometers. Priced at ₹1.39 crore, it is significantly more expensive than its diesel counterpart, which costs ₹45 lakh. The AVTR 55T was showcased during a mini expo organized by Ashok Leyland, where Sanjeev Kumar, president of the Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle (MHCV) division, discussed the company’s plans to start commercial production in India soon.
Kumar acknowledged the challenges associated with the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the heavy commercial vehicle sector. "The government does not provide subsidies for EVs in the MHCV segment, which is a key barrier to wider adoption," he explained. Without such incentives, the high cost of EV batteries and motors makes the electric alternatives less viable compared to diesel models.
Despite these challenges, many large companies, particularly in industries like steel and cement, are considering the transition to electric trucks. Kumar highlighted that companies are increasingly driven by ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance requirements, which could push them towards adopting greener transportation options. “Many big companies want to shift their operations to fully green practices,” Kumar noted, adding that the demand for electric trucks may grow as a result.
The company’s new electric tractor-trailer has already garnered significant interest. “We have received a tremendous response from the markets where the AVTR 55T has been showcased. We already have an order book of 50 tractor-trailers,” Kumar said. The company is actively showcasing the vehicle at various mini expos to introduce it to potential buyers.
Kumar pointed out that the rate of EV adoption in the MHCV sector will remain slow until the cost of ownership becomes comparable to that of diesel vehicles. Much of this will depend on future reductions in battery prices. Despite these hurdles, Ashok Leyland is optimistic about the future of electric vehicles in the heavy-duty segment, especially as more companies pursue greener alternatives.
Ashok Leyland’s introduction of the 55-tonne electric tractor-trailer represents a significant leap in the Indian commercial vehicle industry’s journey toward electrification, even as the path to widespread adoption remains a challenging one.
Ashok Leyland’s 55-tonne electric tractor-trailer marks a significant step towards electrifying the heavy commercial vehicle sector. However, widespread adoption will depend on reducing battery costs and aligning ownership expenses with diesel vehicles. ESG compliance could drive demand as industries seek greener operations despite initial high costs.
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