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Updated On: 09-Oct-2025 06:52 AM
India’s first electric truck battery swapping station in Sonipat was launched by Nitin Gadkari, boosting clean logistics, reducing costs, empowering farmers with biofuel projects, and advancing sustainable, diesel-free transport nationwide.
India’s first commercial electric truck battery swap station opens in Sonipat.
Battery swap takes just 7 minutes per truck, improving logistics efficiency.
Biofuel projects empower farmers, using stubble for energy and road construction.
Logistics costs reduced; target to reach single-digit transport rates by 2025.
Strong government support aligns with Net Zero emissions and sustainable growth.
India takes a major step toward green logistics as Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, inaugurated the country’s first commercial electric truck battery swapping and charging station at the Delhi International Cargo Terminal in Panchi Gujran village, Sonipat. The facility, developed by Energy in Motion, marks a significant move toward diesel-free transport and cleaner, cost-efficient logistics.
At the event, Gadkari urged transporters to shift from diesel and petrol vehicles to electric and biofuel alternatives. He emphasized that this transition will reduce costs, lower pollution, and make logistics more efficient. Gadkari also highlighted the role of advanced technologies and government policies in transforming India’s logistics sector.
Annual fuel import bill: ₹25 lakh crore
Target logistics cost by 2025: 9% of GDP (currently 13–14%)
Battery price drop in recent years: 50–60%
Battery swap time at Sonipat station: 7 minutes per truck
Gadkari stressed that the shift to cleaner transport also benefits farmers by creating energy opportunities from agricultural residues. He mentioned bioethanol production from stubble, sugarcane, and other waste materials, along with projects using farm residue for road construction.
Road construction using stubble in Nagpur (Maharashtra) and Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh)
Biofuel production target from stubble: 5 million tonnes annually
Gadkari arrived at the event in a bioethanol-powered vehicle
The new swapping station allows heavy vehicles to replace batteries in just seven minutes, improving delivery speed and reducing costs. Gadkari highlighted that recent battery price drops and the rollout of flexi-engines for agricultural machinery are helping India achieve faster and more efficient transport.
Logistics expenses have reduced by 6% in recent years
Target to bring transport rates to single digits
Multimodal network combining road, rail, and waterways for additional savings
Union Heavy Industries and Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy, along with senior BJP leaders, attended the event, showing strong government support. The inauguration aligns with India’s goals of Net Zero emissions by 2070 and sustainable agricultural growth through clean energy.
The Sonipat battery swapping station is a landmark for India’s logistics sector, combining technology, policy support, and farmer-centric growth. As Gadkari stated, the transport sector is moving toward diesel-free, environmentally responsible, and globally competitive logistics, setting a new benchmark for sustainable transport in the country.
The Sonipat battery swapping station marks a milestone in India’s clean transport journey, combining advanced technology, cost efficiency, and environmental responsibility. It empowers farmers, reduces logistics expenses, and accelerates the shift from diesel to electric and biofuel solutions. With strong policy support and rapid adoption of EV technology, India is moving toward a diesel-free, sustainable, and globally competitive logistics system, setting a model for future-ready transport nationwide.