1. Introduction

The initiatives are part of e-FAST India (Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport–India), a NITI Aayog-led platform that brings together government and industry stakeholders to accelerate the transition towards zero-emission freight, particularly in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle segment.

The launch reflects a shift in India’s electric freight strategy from individual pilot projects towards coordinated, commercially viable deployment. As electric trucks require simultaneous progress in vehicles, charging infrastructure, financing and logistics operations, greater coordination among stakeholders is becoming increasingly important.

2. Origin and Intent

PACT has been developed as a flagship initiative under the e-FAST India platform to address one of the key challenges facing electric freight: fragmented demand. The platform is designed to aggregate freight requirements from shippers, Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) and other stakeholders and translate this demand into potential deployment opportunities along identified freight corridors.

The basic approach is to bring different parts of the electric freight ecosystem onto a common platform. Shippers and logistics companies can indicate their freight requirements, while vehicle manufacturers, charge point operators, financiers, technology providers and government agencies can participate in developing suitable corridor-level solutions.

This demand aggregation can provide greater visibility about where electric trucks are likely to be commercially viable. It can also help stakeholders plan charging infrastructure according to actual freight movement rather than developing infrastructure in isolation. PACT’s projectisation approach is therefore intended to strengthen the commercial case for electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

The timing of the initiative is significant. According to the government, e-freight vehicle deployments increased more than fourfold, from 201 vehicles in FY25 to 826 in FY26, while more than 3,000 electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks are currently operating across India. However, scaling this market further will require better access to finance, coordinated charging infrastructure and greater certainty for fleet operators and investors.

3. Key Features

PACT’s key feature is its demand-aggregation and corridor-based projectisation model. Organisations can register their freight requirements and deployment readiness, after which demand from multiple organisations operating on similar corridors can be consolidated. This can create a stronger and more credible demand signal for logistics providers, vehicle manufacturers, charging companies and financiers.

The platform is expected to facilitate partnerships among shippers, Logistics Service Providers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Charge Point Operators (CPOs), financiers, technology providers and government agencies. Rather than treating electric truck deployment as a vehicle-purchase decision alone, PACT seeks to develop projects around the complete freight ecosystem.

Alongside PACT, the ZET Marketplace provides an interactive business-engagement platform for the sector. It connects e-truck manufacturers, LSPs, CPOs, financiers and technology companies, allowing them to showcase solutions, explore commercial opportunities and develop partnerships.

4. Impact

The launch of PACT and the ZET Marketplace could help move India’s electric freight sector from fragmented deployments towards a more coordinated and scalable market. By aggregating demand and encouraging corridor-level planning, the initiatives can make it easier for stakeholders to assess where electric trucks and supporting charging infrastructure can be deployed most effectively.

A more predictable demand pipeline could also encourage manufacturers and charging companies to invest with greater confidence. For financiers, better information about vehicle utilisation, freight demand and infrastructure availability could help reduce some of the risks associated with financing electric heavy-duty vehicles.

The transition also has wider implications for India’s energy security and climate goals. Road freight is heavily dependent on diesel, and shifting a growing share of freight movement to electricity can reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the country’s broader clean mobility transition.

The initiatives are also aligned with India’s long-term objectives of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and building a developed economy by 2047. At the same time, the growth of electric freight can support domestic EV manufacturing, battery technologies, charging solutions and related services, contributing to India’s broader industrial and clean-technology ecosystem.

5. Conclusion

The launch of PACT and the ZET Marketplace marks an important step in India’s effort to scale up electric freight. Their significance lies not simply in promoting electric trucks, but in attempting to solve the coordination challenges that surround their deployment.

For long-distance and high-utilisation freight operations, successful electrification will depend on reliable charging networks, suitable vehicle technology, viable financing models, efficient logistics operations and predictable demand. PACT’s corridor-based approach can help bring these requirements together, while the ZET Marketplace can facilitate the commercial partnerships needed to turn opportunities into projects.