UltraTech Cement Ltd is scaling up the use of electric vehicles (EV trucks) in its operations. The company has signed a transport service contract to deploy around 100 electric trucks, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transporting 75,000 MT of clinker per month. These trucks will cover the 400 km round trip between UltraTech’s integrated manufacturing unit at Dhar Cement Works in Madhya Pradesh and its grinding unit at Dhule Cement Works in Maharashtra.
This pioneering move marks UltraTech as the first cement company in India to utilize EV trucks at such a scale over long distances. By replacing traditional fossil-fuel trucks, the initiative is expected to cut transport emissions by approximately 17,000 MT of CO2 annually.
UltraTech’s decision follows the success of its pilot program launched in January 2024, which deployed five electric trucks on the same route. The pilot also involved establishing charging infrastructure and training truck drivers. With this experience, UltraTech is now exploring additional routes to expand its EV fleet further. A similar pilot is planned for the transportation of clinker between two other manufacturing units.
Speaking about the company’s commitment, K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Ltd, said: “UltraTech is fully committed to realising its Net Zero goal by 2050. We have taken a holistic approach to integrating sustainability in our business conduct. The scale up of EV trucks in our logistics operations underscores our commitment to drive the implementation of sustainable practices in the industry.”
UltraTech’s green logistics journey began with the introduction of CNG vehicles in 2021 and LNG vehicles in 2022. The addition of EV trucks in 2024 further solidifies the company’s position as a leader in sustainable practices. Currently, UltraTech operates over 468 CNG trucks and 67 LNG trucks in partnership with logistics providers.
Looking ahead, the company plans to deploy 500 electric trucks by June 2025 as part of the Government of India’s eFAST initiative. With these concerted efforts, UltraTech Cement is setting a benchmark for sustainability in the cement and logistics industries.
This initiative not only reflects UltraTech’s commitment to sustainability but also contributes to India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering green innovations in industrial operations.