Policy Brief: Roadmap for Zero Emission Truck (ZET) Skilling in India
Globally, road vehicles contribute 20 per cent of CO2 emissions; yet trucks, which account for less than 1 per cent of the total vehicle fleet, contribute approximately 35% of those emissions. In India, the situation is similar: while making up only 3 per cent of road vehicles, commercial trucks are responsible for 34 per cent of the road transport sector's CO2 emissions. Though this segment is carbon-intensive, it remains essential for the country’s economic development. India is also the world's third-largest automotive manufacturer, contributing 7.1 per cent to annual GDP and providing direct and indirect employment to approximately 1.9 crore people (MHI, 2023).
Recognizing the impact of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) on climate goals, several countries have set ambitious targets for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). A Zero-Emission Truck (ZET) produces no exhaust gases during operation, providing a noise-free, tailpipe-emission-free, and cleaner mode of transport.
The transition from an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) truck to a ZET involves sophisticated automotive engineering, with an increased reliance on power electronics and software components. Such a technologically intensive upgrade requires a complete overhaul of skilling within the Indian trucking industry. As per industry estimates, more than 80% of the workforce in this sector is unorganized. This makes systematic skilling more challenging and poses a significant risk to job retention during the transition.
This policy brief focuses on Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery-powered electric trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) above 12 tonnes. The objective is to identify existing skill gaps and the potential impact on jobs during the transition to ZETs in India. Finally, the brief offers policy recommendations to address these gaps and strengthen the skilling infrastructure necessary for a robust electric truck ecosystem.