Daimler India’s eCanter launch signals move towards decarbonization

New Delhi: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has announced its entry into the Indian battery electric market with the introduction of the Next-Generation eCanter. This move represents DICV’s initial step towards its broader ambition to decarbonize its entire product lineup in the long term. The all-electric eCanter, marking DICV’s debut in India’s light-duty truck segment, is set to launch in the market within the next 6 to 12 months.

On a global scale, Daimler Truck is committed to the Paris Climate Protection Agreement, aiming to make CO2-neutral transport a success worldwide to combat climate change. The company envisions its new trucks and buses to be CO2-neutral in Europe, Japan, and the USA by 2039, and globally by 2050. DICV is aligning with Daimler Truck’s global decarbonization vision, working towards a CO2-neutral product portfolio in India as soon as feasible following its core markets.

Mr. Satyakam Arya, Managing Director & CEO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, stated, “Our focus is on preparing for our future products featuring CO2-neutral propulsion technologies in the long term. The upcoming launch of the all-electric eCanter in India within the next 6 to 12 months is our first step towards decarbonizing our entire product portfolio. However, the reality is that both diesel ICE and CO2-neutral propulsion technologies will coexist in the Indian market for the foreseeable future. Factors such as the availability of charging infrastructure, green energy, cost parity, and customer acceptance are crucial for our long-term plan. With the eCanter, our initial aim is to achieve product and service excellence along with customer acceptance. Over the next two decades, we aim to establish ourselves with decarbonized transportation solutions, aiming to become a leader in sustainable transportation in India.”

DICV is closely monitoring the evolving Indian market landscape. The company’s roadmap for CO2-neutral propulsion technology aligns with Daimler Truck’s global strategy, incorporating battery electric and hydrogen-based drive technologies. DICV has already collaborated on a BharatBenz hydrogen fuel cell concept coach with a major Indian conglomerate. In the future, DICV plans to introduce trucks across various utility segments catering to long haul, mining, construction, POL, dumper, RMC, and other freight and terrain requirements.

“LNG, if used, will serve as an interim solution for long haul transportation. Our primary focus will be on battery-electric and hydrogen-based propulsion technologies across our future product portfolio, in a phased manner. We are committed to offering the right vehicles when the market demands,” Mr. Arya mentioned.

The all-electric eCanter for India is currently undergoing advanced trials. The battery electric platform originated in Japan, where series production of the first-generation eCanter began in 2017. The latest Next-Generation eCanter was globally unveiled in Japan and Europe in the latter half of 2022. Since its launch in 2017, the eCanter has seen success in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, with hundreds of units sold. The new eCanter is set to have a significant presence in major markets worldwide with a variety of 100 variants.

India’s CO2-neutral propulsion technology market is still nascent but holds significant potential in the long term. With India being a renowned base for R&D, it is poised to become a hub for product development with the introduction of new technologies. However, conducive policies and a competitive market environment are essential for India to thrive and compete globally.

Discussing the importance of a favourable policy framework for economic viability, Mr Arya added, “The successful adoption of CO2-neutral vehicles hinges on consumer acceptance regarding changes in total cost of ownership. This underscores the critical role of important factors in the success of sustainable mobility solutions. Through our entry into CO2-neutral propulsion technologies, DICV aims to contribute to India’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s top five commercial vehicle markets.”