Economy & Market

An EV produces zero tailpipe emissions

Published

2 years ago

April 16, 2024

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Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, Servotech Power Systems, delves into the potential of electric vehicles in industrial transportation, their environmental impact and the challenges and opportunities they present for industries across the country, especially for the cement sector.

Tell us about your views about the use of larger electric vehicles (EV) in industrial transportation across the country.
Currently, electric trucks face limitations in carrying the same load as diesel trucks, primarily due to the weight of battery packs and range constraints. Battery weight reduces cargo capacity, while limited range necessitates frequent recharging, impacting long-haul transportation. Yet, in shorter distances, urban deliveries and specialised applications like mining or waste collection, electric trucks may match or exceed payload capacity due to their simpler drivetrains and suitability for specific tasks. As battery technology advances and charging infrastructure improves, the payload gap is expected to narrow, especially with electric trucks optimised for long-haul transport, promising a future where electric trucks become increasingly competitive with their diesel counterparts.

How can the charging of electric vehicles be made faster and efficient?
To enhance the efficiency and speed of EV charging, various approaches are being explored. Advancements in battery technology, such as developing batteries with higher energy density and faster charging capabilities, hold promise for reducing charging times and extending driving ranges. Improvements in charging infrastructure, including higher power charging stations and the development of ultra-fast charging stations, aim to significantly reduce charging times, particularly for long-distance travel needs. Furthermore, thermal management solutions, like improved battery cooling systems and preconditioning systems, are essential for managing heat generated during fast charging. Standardisation of charging protocols and implementation of smart charging systems can further optimise efficiency. These advancements collectively contribute to making EV charging faster, more convenient, and ultimately accelerating the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

What environmental impact can be created if fleets are replaced with electric vehicles?
Shifting industrial transportation fleets to EVs can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2. An EV produces zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing emissions and mitigating climate change. Petrol and diesel trucks emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Replacing these vehicles with EVs can significantly improve air quality, especially in urban areas with high traffic congestion. Lastly, widespread EV adoption can lessen dependence on fossil fuels, particularly imported oil. This can enhance energy security and reduce geopolitical vulnerability.

How will clean transportation impact the Indian economy?
The clean transportation sector presents an opportunity for significant economic growth. Manufacturing EVs, charging infrastructure, renewable energy sources and battery recycling can create new jobs across various industries. The transition to clean transportation necessitates investments in charging infrastructure, smart grid upgrades, and public transportation systems. This infrastructure development can have a positive ripple effect on the economy in various sectors like construction and materials. India’s commitment to clean transportation can attract foreign investment in clean technology companies and position the country as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions.

What are the major challenges in using EVs for material transportation?
While battery technology is rapidly evolving, its long-term reliability and lifespan in heavy-duty applications are still under development. The current battery technology often limits the range of EVs compared to gasoline or diesel trucks restricting the distance EVs can travel on a single charge, potentially impacting delivery schedules and operational efficiency. Compared to refuelling gasoline or diesel vehicles, recharging EVs can take significantly longer and the lack of widespread and readily available charging stations, especially for long-haul routes, creates a barrier to widespread EV adoption for transportation.
Electric vehicles generally have a higher upfront purchase price compared to gasoline or diesel trucks. While operational costs may be lower in the long run due to lower fuel costs and maintenance needs, the initial investment can be a significant hurdle for some companies. Setting up charging infrastructure at depots or warehouses requires additional investment, adding to the overall cost of transitioning to EVs. Battery packs add weight to the vehicle, potentially reducing the overall payload capacity of electric trucks. Extreme weather conditions, such as very high or low temperatures, can impact the battery performance and range of EVs.

What can policymakers do to further support bringing EVs to industrial scale transportation systems?
Implementing scrappage programmes that offer financial benefits for retiring old, polluting vehicles and replacing them with EVs can accelerate fleet turnover. Public and private investments are crucial for building a robust network of charging stations, especially along major transportation corridors and in industrial hubs. This includes promoting fast-charging and ultra-fast charging technologies to address range anxiety. Upgrading the national grid to accommodate the increased electricity demand from EVs is essential. This might involve investments in renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies to ensure efficient and reliable power supply for charging stations. Government funding and support for research and development in battery technology are crucial to improve range, reduce costs and enhance the lifespan of batteries for heavy-duty applications. Supporting research on faster charging and wireless charging technologies can further improve the convenience and efficiency of EV transportation for industrial fleets.

What is the future of EV transportation?
The future of EV transportation in India is on a promising path, but there are roadblocks to navigate. Government support through subsidies and policies is accelerating EV adoption. Battery costs are dropping, making EVs more affordable. Public awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of EVs is rising. India has the potential to be a major EV manufacturing hub, boosting the economy. However, challenges remain. The lack of widespread charging infrastructure, especially for long distances, is a hurdle. Range limitations of current EVs compared to traditional vehicles can cause concern. The higher upfront cost of EVs can be a barrier, too. Despite these challenges, advancements in
battery technology, faster-charging infrastructure, and a focus on sustainability are paving the way for EVs to play a major role in India’s future transportation landscape.

–Kanika Mathur

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Wonder Cement appoints Mahesh Singh as VP Corporate Brand Communication

Published

4 days ago

October 9, 2026

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Singh brings 20+ years of brand and marketing experience, and will lead integrated corporate brand communication initiatives at Wonder Cement

New Delhi

Wonder Cement, a leading cement manufacturer, has appointed Mahesh Singh as Vice President – Corporate Brand Communication. In his new role, he will oversee corporate brand strategy and communication, including digital and performance marketing, public relations, trade, events, exhibitions, sports and experiential marketing.

Singh brings over two decades of experience across marketing and communications, with roles spanning the automotive industry, agencies and entrepreneurship. He spent more than a decade with Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, working across integrated communication, media, digital, retail and consumer engagement. His stint also included helping build the company’s digital marketing capabilities.

He moved to dentsu X India as Vice President – Strategy & Planning, working across categories such as automotive, auto components, electric vehicles, FMCG, consumer electronics, BFSI, apparel and brand consulting. His responsibilities included media and marketing strategy, product launches, content, performance marketing and consumer activations.

Singh subsequently took an entrepreneurial route with Radiant Brands before joining Shriram Ltd (SPR Autotech) as Head – Marketing & Communications. There, his remit included brand and corporate strategy, communications, PR and ORM, retail identity, loyalty programmes and events.

At Wonder Cement, Singh will be responsible for bringing together the company’s corporate brand communication initiatives across digital, performance marketing, PR, trade, sports and experiential platforms. The role will focus on creating an integrated approach to communication across consumers, trade partners and other key stakeholders.

The appointment brings to Wonder Cement a marketer whose career has spanned the brand, agency and entrepreneurial sides of the communications ecosystem.

Wonder Cement, part of the RK Group, is a cement manufacturer with roots in Rajasthan and a focus on quality, trust and transparency. The company has grown to six manufacturing plants, and a cement capacity of 21.5 MTPA. With more than 2,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 dealers, its operations span manufacturing, distribution and customer engagement, with a focus on consistent product quality and efficient execution.

Concrete

JSW Cement commissions additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur

Published

5 days ago

October 8, 2026

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With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA,
Mumbai

JSW Cement, one of India’s leading green cement producers and part of the diversified JSW Group, today announced the successful commissioning of an additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit at Nagaur, Rajasthan. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in the Company’s growth strategy.

With this commissioning, JSW Cement’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including clinker capacity at its joint venture, JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

JSW Cement had commenced operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, comprising a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. With the commissioning of the additional 1.00 MTPA cement grinding unit, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has increased to 3.50 MTPA, enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the growing cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has been funded through a strategic mix of equity and long-term debt.

During the quarter ended 30th September 2026, JSW Cement has also commissioned the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant.

Nilesh Narwekar, CEO, JSW Cement, said: “The commissioning of additional 1.00 MTPA grinding capacity at Nagaur is a key strategic priority for us and will accelerate JSW Cement’s expansion into North India. We look forward to servicing the growing needs of the region and contributing to the economic growth of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the NCR area. I am delighted to share that the company has commissioned this grinding unit within the expected timeline, showcasing our project execution capabilities. Further, the Alternate Fuel Handling System and the Waste Heat Recovery system (WHRS) are expected to substantially reduce our production costs going forward.”

Concrete

UltraTech becomes first Indian cement firm to cross 2 GW green energy

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2026

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UltraTech Cement has crossed 2 GW of captive green energy capacity, with renewables and waste heat recovery meeting 48 per cent of its power needs.

Mumbai

UltraTech Cement Limited has surpassed 2 GW of installed green energy capacity for captive use, becoming the first cement company in India to achieve the milestone. The Aditya Birla Group company commissioned 116.55 MW of wind capacity at its Inter-State Transmission System-connected wind-solar hybrid project in Barmer, Rajasthan, along with 10 MW of Waste Heat Recovery System capacity at Sarlanagar Cement Works in Karnataka.

With these additions, UltraTech’s cumulative installed green energy capacity has reached 2,024 MW. This includes 1,580 MW of renewable energy capacity and 444 MW of waste heat recovery capacity, together meeting around 48 per cent of the company’s current power requirements.

The company said the milestone reflects the progress of its long-term energy transition strategy. In FY27 so far, nearly one-third of UltraTech’s 76 manufacturing units in India have maintained green energy utilisation above 50 per cent of their electricity requirements, while five units have crossed 95 per cent.

K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said, “Crossing the 2 GW green energy milestone is the result of a strategy we have pursued consistently over the past decade. Cement is an energy-intensive, hard-to-abate sector, and showing that reliability and growth can go hand in hand with a rapid shift to green energy sets a benchmark for the industry. With nearly half of our power needs now met through green energy, we are significantly less exposed to fossil fuel supply constraints and power price volatility. As we scale up renewables, waste heat recovery and battery storage across our operations, we are building an energy foundation for stable, long-term growth.”

UltraTech commissioned 430 MW of green energy capacity in FY26 and continues to expand its renewable energy and waste heat recovery portfolio.

The company is also progressively integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems across its operations to improve renewable energy utilisation and supply reliability.

In 2025, UltraTech operationalised what it described as India’s first on-site hybrid round-the-clock renewable energy project at Sewagram Cement Works in Gujarat. The project combines solar, wind and battery storage.

As part of its decarbonisation strategy, UltraTech said it has not invested in new captive thermal power capacity for either greenfield projects or brownfield expansions at its integrated units for more than a decade.

The company said its expanding green energy portfolio is helping reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity and fossil fuel-based power, while lowering exposure to fluctuations in coal and electricity prices.

UltraTech aims to increase green energy’s share in its total power mix to 85 per cent by 2030. As a member of RE100, it has also committed to meeting 100 per cent of its electricity requirement through renewable sources by 2050.

UltraTech Cement, the cement flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has a total grey cement capacity of 210.1 MTPA and white cement and putty capacity of 3.5 MTPA. The company is also a signatory to the GCCA Climate Ambition 2050 and has committed to the GCCA Net Zero Concrete roadmap.