JNPA Launches India’s First Electric Heavy Truck Fleet with Swappable Batteries

Key Highlights:

• 50 electric trucks flagged off at Nhava Sheva.

• Dedicated battery swapping station commissioned.

• 90% fleet electrification target by Dec 2026.

• MoU signed with Ashoka University for the port tariff framework.

• Supports India’s net-zero 2070 and Green Ports mission.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has marked a historic moment for India’s logistics sector by launching the country’s first fleet of electric heavy trucks with swappable battery technology. The initiative was flagged off at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal on Thursday, making JNPA the largest operator of electric truck fleets among Indian ports.

50 Electric Trucks Flagged Off

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the first fleet of 50 electric heavy trucks at the ceremony. The event was attended by R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA.

A dedicated heavy-duty battery swapping station was also inaugurated to support the round-the-clock operation of the electric fleet.

Plan to Convert 90% Fleet by 2026

JNPA has ambitious plans to expand its electric fleet to 80 trucks by the end of this year and to convert 90% of its 600-vehicle internal fleet to electric by December 2026. This move is part of JNPA’s mission to make port operations greener and more efficient.

Aligning with National Sustainability Goals

Union Minister Sonowal said, “Today, when JNPA takes a decisive step in electrifying its fleet of logistics vehicles, it sends a message that India's ports are ready to embrace the future and pioneer practices that will set benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.”

This initiative supports India’s net-zero 2070 target and aligns with the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, PM Gati Shakti initiative, and National Logistics Policy.

Collaboration for Port Benchmarking

During the event, JNPA also signed an MoU with the Isaac Centre for Public Policy at Ashoka University, Delhi. The collaboration aims to create a reference framework for port authorities to determine tariffs from cost and port benchmarking perspectives across different cargo types.

Cleaner and Quieter Port Operations

JNPA Chairperson Unmesh Sharad Wagh called the launch “a paradigmatic leap towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for port operations.”

The electric truck deployment is expected to:

• Cut greenhouse gas emissions

• Reduce particulate pollution

• Lower noise levels in the port area

These steps will act as a benchmark for other major and non-major ports in India to follow.

JNPA’s Growing Global Recognition

JNPA handles nearly 50% of India’s container trade and has recently been ranked among the top 25 ports globally in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. The port authority is actively working on projects in digitalization, special economic zones, and renewable energy, further strengthening its leadership in sustainable logistics.

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CMV360 Says

JNPA’s launch of India’s first electric heavy truck fleet is a landmark moment for Indian ports. It reflects the country’s commitment to cleaner logistics, lower emissions, and global competitiveness. By targeting 90% electrification of its fleet by 2026, JNPA is setting a benchmark for green port operations and supporting India’s journey toward a sustainable, net-zero future.