Trucks In India Will Soon Have Mandatory AC Cabins But At A Cost Warn OEMs

Nitin Gadkari’s decision to introduce AC inside all trucks from 2025 also poses several challenges.

Union minister of road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari, raised a proposal mandating all trucks made in India to come with air-conditioned cabins from 2025 to reduce driver fatigue. The price of trucks could go up once the mandate comes into effect. Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) says the productivity of drivers will improve with air-conditioned truck cabins.

While global players in the Indian market such as Volvo and Scania offer trucks with air conditioning (AC), Indian truck makers are yet to offer it with all their models. However, most automobile manufacturers do offer blower-based systems though they are not as effective as an AC.

Automakers also say the installation of AC will increase the price of the vehicle. Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV) MD & CEO Vinod Aggarwal, has reportedly said, “Introducing AC cabins can hike costs by Rs.30,000-Rs.50,000 depending on the truck’s size and model. Companies will also have to change the drivetrain and increase engine power to install AC.”

Nitin Gadkari Comments:

“Before coming to this event today, I have signed the file that mandates air conditioning in truck driver compartments. We must ensure that people who drive the trucks are well taken care of,” said Nitin Gadkari at an event called 'Desh Chaalak’ organised by Mahindra Logistics.

“Drivers in India operate vehicles in harsh temperatures of 43 to 47 degrees, hence, we must imagine the condition of drivers. I was keen to introduce the AC cabin after I became a minister. But some people opposed it saying the cost of trucks will go up. I have signed the file that all truck cabins will be AC cabins,” he said at the event.

Related Link: Daimler India Launches ‘BharatBenz Certified’- Used Truck Brand In India With Exclusive Warranty And AMC

Impact Of This Mandate:

The mandate to introduce AC in driver cabins is a positive move for many, but, integrating AC into trucks can bring in new challenges like more maintenance. Trucks are usually operated in the most challenging conditions wherein dust and debris kick up, and using AC in those conditions could result in regular change of filters and other components which will increase service costs.

Apart from the maintenance, using AC while hauling goods could result in more engine load and lower mileage. Due to more fuel consumption, the operators could end up paying more. An increase in fuel consumption could also result in higher freight costs.

However, having AC inside the cabin of a truck could improve driver productivity and thereby profitability of logistics and the operator through a faster turnaround time. Therefore, some automakers in India are now leaning towards offering AC in driver cabins while others have integrated AC as a standard feature.

Trucks With AC In India:

Since there are only a few manufacturers who offer AC-equipped driver cabins, the Indian fleet owners are consciously addressing the need for providing more comfort and safety features in their fleets and adopting AC-equipped trucks. Needless to say, they prefer popular AC-equipped trucks like those mentioned below:

BharatBenz 4828R (10x2): The 4828R is a 281hp, AC-equipped multi-axle truck which has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) rating of 47500kg. It is fitted with a world-class diesel powertrain that produces 1100Nm of peak torque. The truck comes with a hydraulic power-assisted steering system and radial tyres for better driveability. 

Eicher Pro 8028XM: The Pro 8028XM is a 28000kg GVW tipper truck with an AC-equipped sleeper cabin. It is powered by a proven VEDX8 diesel engine, which produces 345hp and 1350Nm of peak torque. The dumper truck comes with features like engine brake, cruise control and fuel coaching, among others.  

Tata Signa 4221.T: The Signa 4221.T is a 42000kg, AC-equipped, multi-axle truck powered by a Tata 5.0-litres Turbotronn BS6-compliant diesel engine. Its engine produces 197hp and 850Nm. The truck has features like a gear shift advisor, reverse parking assistance system, twin high-speed USB charging ports and an electronic anti-fuel theft system, among others.

Our Take:

The latest mandate to introduce AC in driver cabins is the right step towards improving the safety and productivity of operators. Although AC-equipped driver cabins improve driver productivity and turnaround time, factors such as higher maintenance and fuel expenditure endured by operators, are something that needs to be addressed.

Moreover, AC-equipped truck cabins eliminate the cowl truck models to improve safety. All-in-all, it is right to assume that the mandate to mandatorily install air conditioning in the driver cabin of trucks is a step closer to the safety and development of the haulage industry.

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