Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited has deployed 24 heavy-duty electric trucks in Tamil Nadu in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. and Energy In Motion Ltd. The initiative is aimed at reducing emissions from high-utilization freight operations and supporting the company’s transition towards cleaner logistics.
24 Electric Trucks to Transport Raw Materials
The newly deployed electric fleet will transport petcoke, slag, and gypsum from Karaikal Port to Dalmia Cement’s manufacturing facilities at Dalmiapuram and Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu. The deployment replaces diesel-powered freight operations on the route with electric heavy-duty trucks.
Each truck is expected to travel around 12,000 km per month, resulting in an estimated fleet utilization of nearly 2.9 million km annually. The high daily utilisation of these trucks is intended to demonstrate the potential of electric vehicles for industrial freight operations.
Trailer-Swap Model to Improve Fleet Utilization
A key feature of the project is the introduction of a trailer-swap operating model. Under this system, electric tractors can switch trailers during loading and unloading rather than waiting for the process to finish.
The model is enabled by separate registration of tractors and trailers and is designed to reduce idle time, improve vehicle utilization, and increase daily productivity. The arrangement is being described as an important step towards making high-utilization electric heavy-freight operations more practical.
Fleet to Reduce Around 3,735 Tonnes of CO₂e Annually
The electric truck deployment is also expected to contribute to Dalmia Cement’s emissions-reduction efforts. Assuming an electricity mix containing around 70% renewable energy and 30% grid power, the fleet is estimated to avoid approximately 3,735 tonnes of CO₂e emissions annually on a life-cycle basis.
This estimated reduction is equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of around 1.7 lakh mature trees, according to the project details.
Dedicated Charging Infrastructure
The fleet is supported by dedicated charging infrastructure designed around the trucks’ high mileage and turnaround requirements. SwitchLabs is also working with Dalmia Cement on additional electric mobility applications.
The companies are deploying electric tipper trucks at Dalmia’s Dalmiapuram and Ariyalur operations and are exploring further EV projects across the company’s logistics network.
Supporting Dalmia Cement’s E-Mobility Goals
Dalmia Bharat has been expanding its focus on sustainable mobility as part of its broader decarbonization strategy. The company says it is working towards significant EV adoption by 2030 and has previously deployed heavy-duty electric trucks at its Rajgangpur facility in Odisha.
The Tamil Nadu deployment adds another high-mileage application to this transition, particularly for the movement of bulk raw materials between ports and manufacturing plants.
Conclusion
The deployment of 24 electric trucks in Tamil Nadu marks another step in Dalmia Cement’s efforts to electrify its logistics operations. With high vehicle utilization, dedicated charging infrastructure, and a trailer-swap model, the project combines EV technology with an operating model designed for industrial freight. Further deployments of electric tippers and other mobility solutions could expand the company’s use of electric vehicles across its logistics network.
FAQs
1. How many electric trucks has Dalmia Cement deployed in Tamil Nadu?
Dalmia Cement has deployed 24 heavy-duty electric trucks in Tamil Nadu in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles and Energy In Motion.
2. Where will Dalmia Cement’s electric trucks operate?
The trucks will transport petcoke, slag and gypsum from Karaikal Port to Dalmia Cement’s plants in Dalmiapuram and Ariyalur.
3. How much distance will the electric trucks cover?
Each truck is expected to travel around 12,000 km per month, resulting in nearly 2.9 million km of annual fleet utilisation.
4. How much CO₂ emissions could the electric truck fleet reduce?
The 24-truck fleet is estimated to avoid around 3,735 tonnes of CO₂e emissions annually, based on the stated electricity mix.
5. What is the trailer-swap model used in the project?
The trailer-swap model allows electric tractors to switch trailers during loading and unloading, helping reduce waiting time and improve vehicle utilization.
6. Who are Dalmia Cement’s partners in the electric truck deployment?
Dalmia Cement is working with SwitchLabs Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. and Energy In Motion Ltd. for the electric freight initiative.
