Dhar, November 19, 2024
UltraTech Cement, India’s largest and the world’s third-largest cement producer, has taken a significant step toward sustainable logistics by deploying electric trucks for transporting 75,000 metric tonnes of clinker per month. The trucks will travel between the company’s Dhar Cement Works in Madhya Pradesh and Dhule Cement Works in Maharashtra.
Key Features of the Initiative
The newly deployed fleet includes Rhino 5536 electric trucks by IPLTech Electric. These battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) boast a range of 185 km and a top speed of 90 km/h. The 400-km roundtrip route is equipped with charging infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations for the EV fleet.
In January 2024, UltraTech successfully conducted a pilot program with five electric trucks, during which it installed charging facilities and provided driver training. The company estimates that scaling up this initiative will result in 17,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emission reductions annually, aligning with its Net Zero by 2050 commitment.
Future Plans
UltraTech is now considering expanding its electric fleet to other locations and plans to commission 500 electric trucks by June 2025. The company’s move supports the Indian government’s e-FAST (Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport) initiative, which aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucking.
Leadership Perspective
“UltraTech is fully committed to realising its Net Zero goal by 2050,” said K C Jhanwar, Managing Director of UltraTech. “The scale-up of EV trucks in our logistics operations underscores our commitment to drive the implementation of sustainable practices in the industry,” he added.
UltraTech’s Scale and Sustainability Efforts
With a valuation of $8.4 billion, UltraTech Cement leads India’s cement and ready-mix concrete market. The company operates:
- 24 integrated manufacturing units
- 33 grinding units
- 1 clinkerisation unit
- 8 bulk packaging terminals
Its annual grey cement production capacity of 156.06 million tonnes exemplifies its dominance in the global market. By adopting electric trucks, UltraTech is not just meeting its sustainability goals but also setting an example for the cement industry worldwide.
