CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up | 22nd Feb – 1st March 2025: Scania-DHL E-Truck Trials, Ecofuel’s Green Expansion, VECV’s ₹1,500 Cr EV Investment, Olectra’s Heavy-Duty EV Trucks, Mahindra & Escorts Sales Surge, and More

Welcome to this week’s CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up, your trusted source for the latest updates in India’s mobility, commercial vehicle, and agriculture sectors.

In this edition, we highlight major industry developments, including Scania and DHL’s electric truck with a fuel-powered range extender, Ecofuel’s expansion into heavy vehicles, and VECV’s ₹1,500 crore investment in electric commercial vehicles. Olectra Greentech is making strides in heavy-duty electric trucks, while Mahindra reports steady CV sales growth.

On the agriculture front, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh governments have introduced subsidies for farmers, and Gromax Agri Equipment marks 25 years with new tractors. Additionally, Mahindra and Escorts Kubota report strong tractor sales, reflecting positive market momentum. Stay tuned as we bring you the key insights shaping India’s transport and agricultural landscape.

DHL and Scania are testing electric trucks with fuel-powered range extender

Scania and DHL developed an electric truck with a fuel-powered generator to extend its range to 650–800 km. The 416 kWh battery-powered truck will be tested for parcel transport between Berlin and Hamburg. Smart software minimizes generator use, cutting CO2 emissions by over 80%. The EREV truck allows DHL to operate mostly on renewable electricity while addressing charging challenges. DHL and Scania see it as a bridge to full electrification, ensuring sustainability without waiting for complete infrastructure development.

Ecofuel Ventures into Heavy Vehicles to Promote Sustainable Transport

Ecofuel is expanding into the heavy vehicle sector, offering CNG, LNG, and bio-CNG solutions to cut emissions and costs. With over 1 million Lovato kits sold and 400,000 sequential kits installed, it has a strong market presence. The company is converting diesel boats to CNG under the Ganga Cleanliness Project and has worked with OLA, Meru, Reliance, and MSRTC. Ecofuel’s BS-VI-certified products meet European standards, ensuring reliability and efficiency for fleet operators seeking sustainable fuel alternatives.

VE Commercial Vehicles to Invest ₹1,500 Crore in MP For Electric Commercial Vehicles

VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) is investing ₹1,500 crore in Madhya Pradesh to expand commercial vehicle manufacturing, focusing on EVs, R&D, and automotive parts. The investment aligns with the state’s 2025 policy, offering industry incentives. The Eicher Pro X electric truck facility in Bhopal will scale up production. CEO Vinod Aggarwal stressed the need for skilled workers, better infrastructure, and industrial growth. VECV’s move supports India’s transition to sustainable transport while strengthening its market position in commercial vehicles.

Olectra Greentech Drives Into Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks With Strong Production Plans

Olectra Greentech Ltd is entering the heavy-duty electric truck market and has begun testing its 6×4 electric tipper with a 220 km range. A new Hyderabad facility will support truck production. The company is also developing hydrogen-powered buses and expanding into energy storage. Chairman K.V. Pradeep sees electric trucks as cost-effective amid rising fuel prices. Olectra aims to lead the market ahead of traditional truck makers, leveraging its success in electric buses and sustainable transport solutions.

Mahindra Sales Report February 2025: Experienced Growth of 4.27% in Domestic CV Sales

Mahindra's domestic CV sales grew 4.27% in February 2025, reaching 30,221 units. The LCV 2T-3.5T segment saw 9% growth, while LCV >3.5T+MHCV sales rose 23%. Three-wheeler sales, including electric models, increased by 4%. Export sales surged 99% to 3,061 units. Mahindra remains strong in India and global markets, but the 21% decline in LCV <2T sales may need focus. The company continues expanding across multiple industries, reinforcing its leadership in commercial vehicles.

Free Electricity for Farmers: 8.40 Lakh to Benefit Under New Scheme

The Bihar government is offering free electricity connections for irrigation under the Chief Minister Agriculture Electricity Connection Scheme. Farmers benefit from a 98% reduction in irrigation costs, paying only 55 paise per unit after a ₹6.19 per unit subsidy. So far, 5.42 lakh farmers have availed of the scheme, with a target of 8.40 lakh. Applications are open until February 28, 2025, via the Suvidha App. The government is also installing 93,420 transformers and upgrading distribution lines to support this initiative, making irrigation more affordable and efficient for farmers.

Maize Crop: Farmers to Get Rs 15,000 Subsidy on Summer Maize Seeds

The Uttar Pradesh government is offering a ₹15,000 per quintal subsidy on maize seeds, covering hybrid, desi, baby corn, popcorn, and sweet corn varieties. Maize is a key raw material for ethanol production, making it valuable for both agriculture and industry. The state is promoting maize farming through schemes like the Accelerated Maize Development Program, aiming to boost farmer income and food security. Learning from Bihar’s advanced techniques can further improve maize yields in UP. Farmers are encouraged to adopt maize cultivation as a profitable alternative to wheat and paddy for sustainable agriculture and economic growth.

Gromax Agri Equipment Marks 25 Years with New Tractor Range

Gromax Agri Equipment, formerly Mahindra Gujarat Tractor, marks 25 years with the launch of new 4WD models, Trakstar 525 and Trakstar 536, alongside 2WD tractors in 24HP, 31HP, and 36HP for orchard farming. The company has expanded from four to over 40 variants in the 20HP-50HP range, introducing saffron and black color options to attract younger farmers. Operating from Vadodara, Gujarat, Gromax is a joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra (60%) and the Gujarat government (40%). With its latest innovations, Gromax aims to strengthen its presence in Indian agriculture and support farmers with efficient, affordable machinery.

Escorts Kubota Tractor Sales Report February 2025: 7,968 Tractors Sold with 9.6% Growth

Escorts Kubota sold 8,590 tractors in February 2025, recording an 11.4% growth. Domestic sales rose 9.6% to 7,968 units, while exports surged 41.4% to 622 units. However, April-February sales declined slightly by 0.3% to 1,04,180 units. Domestic sales for the period grew by 0.4%, but exports dropped 13.6%. The company remains optimistic about future demand, driven by strong agricultural activity, increased Rabi sowing, and good water reservoir levels. Despite export challenges, Escorts Kubota expects steady growth in the coming months, supported by improving market conditions and positive economic factors.

Mahindra Tractors Sales Report Feb 2025: 19% Growth in Domestic Sales

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.'s Farm Equipment Sector (FES) recorded strong tractor sales growth in February 2025, selling 23,880 units in India, a 19% rise from last year. Total sales, including exports, reached 25,527 units, marking an 18% growth. Exports increased by 6% to 1,647 units. Year-to-date (YTD) domestic sales grew by 10% to 3,74,512 units, while total YTD sales, including exports, rose by 11% to 3,89,707 units. Mahindra expects further growth, supported by a favorable Rabi crop outlook, increased agricultural credit, and continued government support.

Also Read: CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up | 15th Feb – 21st Feb 2025: Volvo Road Train Launch, EV Financing Deals, California’s E-Truck Setback, Ashok Leyland’s ₹298 Cr Bus Order, JBM’s 1,021 E-Bus Deal, John Deere’s 130 HP Tractor, Agri-Tech Innovations, and More

CMV360 Says

That’s all for this edition of CMV360 Weekly Wrap-Up! The mobility and agricultural sectors in India are witnessing significant advancements, from electric truck innovations by Scania and Olectra to major investments by VECV and Ecofuel’s push for sustainable transport. In the farming sector, government subsidies and new tractor launches by Mahindra, Escorts Kubota, and Gromax are driving growth. With continuous investments, policy support, and emerging technologies, both industries are poised for a dynamic future. Stay tuned to CMV360 for the latest updates on India’s evolving transportation and agriculture landscape!