JNPA Launches India’s First Electric Heavy Truck Fleet with Battery Swapping

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) marked a significant milestone in India's maritime logistics by launching the country's first fleet of electric heavy trucks equipped with swappable battery technology. The launch took place on Thursday at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal, underscoring JNPA’s role as a pioneer in sustainable port operations.

Inauguration and Fleet Details

The inaugural fleet of 50 electric trucks was flagged off by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. This deployment makes JNPA the largest operator of electric truck fleets among Indian ports. The launch ceremony was also attended by R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA.

JNPA plans to expand this fleet to 80 trucks by the end of 2025 and aims to convert 90 percent of its internal heavy truck fleet, approximately 600 vehicles, to electric by December 2026. Supporting this ambitious move, a dedicated heavy-duty battery swapping station was commissioned to ensure efficient fleet operations.

Strategic Significance and Sustainability Goals

Union Minister Sonowal emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that electrifying the logistics fleet signals India’s ports are ready to embrace the future with sustainability, efficiency, and innovation at the forefront. 

As JNPA handles nearly half of India’s container trade, this deployment represents a significant step in the logistics transformation driven by the PM Gati Shakti initiative and the National Logistics Policy.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh described the launch as a “paradigmatic leap towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for port operations,” highlighting the port's commitment to marrying economic growth with ecological responsibility.

JNPA’s Ongoing Achievements

JNPA continues to set records in container handling while pursuing projects in special economic zones, digitalisation, and green energy. The port has earned international recognition, ranking among the top 25 ports globally in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. 

This initiative supports India’s broader sustainability priorities, including the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and the objectives under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. It also aligns with the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Green Ports initiative, setting a standard for green logistics within the maritime sector.