UltraTech Cement Limited, the largest cement producer in India, is taking bold steps toward environmental sustainability by scaling up its use of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. The company has announced plans to deploy 100 electric trucks for the transportation of clinker, a key ingredient in cement production, between its manufacturing plants located in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. This initiative is part of UltraTech’s broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, and the company expects the move to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by a significant 17,000 metric tons annually.
The decision to expand its electric fleet follows the success of a pilot program launched in January 2024, where UltraTech initially deployed five electric trucks for the same route. The pilot project not only involved transporting materials but also focused on building the necessary charging infrastructure and providing driver training. This ensures the safe and efficient operation of the electric trucks on long-distance routes, especially considering the challenges posed by India’s road conditions and energy infrastructure.
With this expansion, UltraTech becomes the first cement company in India to deploy electric trucks on such a large scale and for such long-distance logistics. The company is also exploring other potential routes for electric trucks to further reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. In addition to the existing routes, UltraTech is planning a second pilot program to test electric trucks for clinker transportation between different manufacturing units in the region.
UltraTech’s move is aligned with the company’s larger goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. K C Jhanwar, Managing Director of UltraTech Cement Limited, emphasized the company’s holistic approach to sustainability, stating, “The scale-up of electric trucks in our logistics operations underscores our commitment to integrating sustainable practices throughout our business conduct. This initiative is a step forward in realizing our long-term goal of Net Zero emissions by 2050.”
UltraTech’s broader strategy includes a mix of green logistics solutions, having previously integrated CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) trucks into its fleet. The company plans to deploy 500 electric trucks by June 2025, further aligning with India’s eFAST initiative aimed at promoting electric mobility. As of now, UltraTech, in collaboration with its logistics partners, operates over 468 CNG trucks and 67 LNG trucks across its manufacturing facilities.
