Hyderabad, February 27, 2025 – Olectra Greentech Ltd, already a pioneer in India’s electric bus market, is now shifting gears. The company has revealed ambitious plans to enter the heavy-duty electric truck segment while simultaneously boosting its annual production capacity to 10,000 vehicles.
The MEIL Group company is targeting the high-tonnage and mining sectors, aiming to fill a gap in a market with limited competition. This strategic move comes as global commercial transport increasingly adopts sustainable solutions.
“As fossil fuel costs skyrocket, electric trucks will be a game-changer in the segment,” said K.V. Pradeep, Chairman and Managing Director of Olectra. “Our first-of-its-kind tipper has many super performance features. As the market looks for cost-effective and highly efficient tippers, Olectra has finally realized the dream as promised earlier.”
From Buses to Trucks: A Natural Evolution
Olectra, which introduced electric buses to India in 2015, began trials of its 6×4 heavy-duty electric tipper in Hyderabad. The electric tipper boasts a 220-kilometer range on a single charge and features heavy-duty bogie suspension capable of handling gradients exceeding 25 percent – essential for navigating elevated roads and ghat sections.
The company’s truck manufacturing will soon scale up at a state-of-the-art facility under construction on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
Expanding Beyond Vehicles
While remaining committed to electric mobility, Olectra is also developing hydrogen fuel cell technology through a separate entity. Initially partnering with Reliance on a fuel cell bus project, the company has since pursued independent development of hydrogen-powered buses, though commercialization timelines remain undefined.
Furthermore, Olectra is leveraging its expertise in high-capacity battery technology to enter the energy storage market. With state governments and power utilities investing heavily in grid stabilization projects, the company sees significant opportunities in large-scale battery energy storage systems.
“Wherever the opportunities arise, Olectra will actively participate in tenders,” Pradeep stated, signaling the company’s intent to expand beyond vehicle manufacturing into infrastructure solutions.
Market Outlook
Analysts view Olectra’s expansion into electric trucks as timely, given the increasing regulatory pressure on commercial fleets to reduce emissions and the operational benefits electric vehicles offer in terms of lower running costs.
The move also positions Olectra to compete with traditional commercial vehicle manufacturers who are only beginning their electric transition, potentially giving the company a first-mover advantage in India’s nascent electric truck market.
Established in 2000 as part of Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), Olectra has grown from being an insulator manufacturer to becoming India’s largest producer of electric buses. This latest expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to leading India’s commercial vehicle electrification.
