Landmark launch at JNPA
India’s First EV Truck Fleet at JNPA: On 25 September 2025, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) achieved a major milestone by launching India’s first electric heavy-duty truck fleet with swappable batteries. The fleet was flagged off by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal.
A total of 50 EV trucks have been inducted in the internal fleet, with expansion to 80 by year-end. JNPA aims for 90% conversion of its 600-truck fleet to EVs by December 2026, setting a strong precedent for green logistics in India.
Static GK fact: JNPA, located in Maharashtra, is India’s largest container port and handles nearly 50% of the country’s container traffic.
Swappable battery technology
The fleet is equipped with battery-swapping capability, enabling quick replacement of discharged batteries. A dedicated heavy-duty swapping station was inaugurated alongside the launch.
This innovation removes long charging downtimes, ensures uninterrupted cargo movement, and significantly reduces emissions in high-volume port operations.
Static GK Tip: Battery-swapping for heavy vehicles was first introduced in China on a large scale before India adopted it for port logistics.
Economic and environmental gains
The EV trucks reduce carbon emissions, particulate pollution, and noise levels, while lowering operational costs. They also improve energy efficiency and demonstrate the commercial viability of EV adoption in cargo operations.
By embracing EVs, JNPA strengthens India’s competitiveness in green shipping, aligns with the National Logistics Policy, and supports commitments under Maritime India Vision 2030.
Static GK fact: India’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) was launched in 2013 to promote EV adoption.
MoU with Ashoka University
During the event, JNPA signed an MoU with the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP), Ashoka University. The collaboration will create a tariff benchmarking framework for Indian ports.
This initiative will enhance transparency in port pricing and improve competitiveness across cargo types and services. It also helps India align its port economics with international standards.
Static GK fact: Ashoka University, based in Sonipat, Haryana, is a leading private university in India known for policy research and liberal education.
Strategic significance
The EV truck fleet highlights India’s commitment to decarbonisation of logistics. By integrating PM Gati Shakti principles, JNPA sets a model for sustainable port operations.
The initiative also contributes to India’s pledge of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, reinforcing its maritime leadership role in Asia.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First EV Truck Fleet at JNPA:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Launch of India’s first EV truck fleet with swappable batteries |
| Date | 25 September 2025 |
| Location | Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Maharashtra |
| Launched by | Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports |
| Fleet size | 50 trucks initially, target 80 by 2025 |
| Future goal | 90% of 600-truck fleet converted to EVs by 2026 |
| Technology | Swappable battery system with heavy-duty swapping station |
| Partner | MoU signed with Ashoka University for tariff benchmarking |
| Policy links | PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, Maritime India Vision 2030 |
| Significance | Green logistics, reduced emissions, global competitiveness |
