Eicher and ITC revolutionise greener logistics

By OEM Update Editorial February 6, 2024 11:59 am IST

ITC and its vendors and partners would gradually deploy over 100 units of India’s first 5.5-tonne electric vehicle, the Eicher Pro 2055 EV, for mid-mile transportation from ITC warehouses to client sites.

Eicher Trucks and Buses, a branch of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV) Limited, has partnered with ITC Limited to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly mid-mile logistics solutions at several ITC locations in India. As part of this collaboration, ITC and its vendors and partners would gradually deploy over 100 units of India’s first 5.5-tonne electric vehicle, the Eicher Pro 2055 EV, for mid-mile transportation from ITC warehouses to client sites. First deliveries started in December 2023, and initial deployment includes the key metropolises of Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad. This collaboration reflects the shared vision of both brands: to reduce their carbon footprint and support India’s ‘Net Zero’ commitments.

Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director and CEO of VECV, commented, “VECV is delighted to partner with ITC Limited and take this big step together. This is much in line with VECV’s idea of providing modern solutions for modern logistics focused on higher productivity and efficiency. Eicher Pro 2055 EV’s are supported by a 100 percent connected ecosystem, powered by the My Eicher app and the industry’s first Uptime Center to secure maximum uptime for Eicher customers.”

Eicher Pro 2055 EV, India’s first 5.5-tonne electric vehicle (EV) truck, continues the heritage of providing best-in-class fuel efficiency and profitability. The 12-foot deck-length vehicle will come equipped with two complete container solutions. It will offer both fast and slow charging alternatives tailored to specific application requirements. The service package takes into account the availability of charging infrastructure, operational needs, charging time limitations, battery capacity, and overall energy management strategies for the fleet. Additionally, the vehicle will feature Eicher’s advanced telematics solution and will be supported by My Eicher services.

Sandeep Sule, Divisional Chief Executive, Trade Marketing and Distribution, ITC Limited said, “Building agile, resilient and green supply chains is an integral part of the ITC Next Strategy which is aimed at shaping the next horizon of growth and structural competitiveness”. Towards this, we are partnering with various stakeholders for deployment of EVs in end-to-end logistics operations. This will boost our commitment towards the Green Logistics and sustainable Supply Chain.”

The deployment of electric vehicles will immensely help in promoting a planet-friendly and cleaner transportation system aimed at cutting down on carbon emissions. Sule also emphasised the need to enhance the current EV charging infrastructure to increase the share of electric vehicle usage.