DICV To Launch All-electric eCanter Electric Light-Duty Truck In India: Ending Diesel Trucks?

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) to launch an all-electric eCanter light-duty truck. Will DICV stop producing diesel-propelled trucks in India? What are the benefits of DICV’s CO2-neutral tech? Here are all the answers. Read on

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) will launch an all-electric eCanter light-duty truck in India within the next 6 to 12 months. DICV asserts that the next-generation eCanter electric truck is the company’s first step towards its larger vision to decarbonise its entire product portfolio in the long term.

The brand claims that it is working on the idea of a CO2-neutral product portfolio in line with Daimler Truck’s global decarbonisation vision and the overall target for India as soon as possible. Daimler Truck is striving for its new trucks and buses to be CO2-neutral in Europe, Japan and the USA by 2039, and globally by 2050.

Related Link: Setting New Standards: Daimler India's Record-Breaking Performance and Future Growth With New MY24 BharatBenz Trucks

DICV Comments On eCanter Launch 

Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “All our efforts are being put into achieving robust readiness for our future products that will feature CO2-neutral propulsion technologies in the long term. The launch of the all-electric eCanter in India, within the next 6 to 12 months, is the first step in our long-term strategy to decarbonise our entire product portfolio.

Will DICV Continue Selling Diesel Trucks In India? 

“Although the plan for launching the eCanter in India is a step to our long-term strategy to decarbonise our entire product portfolio, the reality is that diesel internal combustion engine trucks and CO2-neutral propulsion technologies will continue to co-exist in the Indian market for the foreseeable future,” Satyakam Arya added.

Insights: Hopes Of DICV

DICV said in its release that its long-term plan hinges on complex external factors, some of which are, the availability of a charging and refuelling infrastructure, the availability of green energy, cost parity and wide-scale customer acceptance. Therefore, DICV’s initial focus with the eCanter is to achieve product and service excellence, along with customer acceptance.

Sneak Peek: A Glimpse Into DICV’s Future

DICV has already developed a BharatBenz hydrogen fuel cell concept coach in alliance with a large Indian conglomerate. In the future, DICV will introduce trucks across different utility segments that will serve long haul, mining, construction, POL (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants), dumper, RMC and so forth for various freight and terrain requirements.

“LNG, if used at all, will be an interim, tactical solution for long haul transportation. We will primarily commit to battery-electric and hydrogen-based propulsion technologies across our future product portfolio, in a phased manner. One thing is for sure - we will be ready with the right vehicles when the market is,” said Satyakam Arya.

Facts About DICV eCanter Truck

The all-electric eCanter for India is undergoing advanced trials. The battery-electric platform originated in Japan where the series production of the first-generation eCanter started in 2017. The all-new, Next-Generation eCanter had its world premiere in Japan and Europe in the second half of 2022.

Since the launch of the first generation model in 2017, the eCanter has sold in hundreds in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. The proven, next-generation model of the eCanter, will have a significant presence in major markets around the world with 100 variants.

Conclusion: Benefits Of DICV CO2-neutral Tech

By foraying into the CO2-neutral propulsion technologies, DICV aims to contribute to India’s future as it progresses towards becoming one of the world’s top five commercial vehicle markets. With the production of DICV electric commercial vehicles, India could benefit significantly since DICV plans on paving the way for a sustainable future. 

Read More 

Tresa Motors Joins JFK Transporters For 1000 Electric Truck Rollout

Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle Sales Report: Impact And Expectations