Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), under the ownership of Daimler Truck AG, unveiled its entry into the battery electric market. The company will roll out the light-duty ‘eCanter’ trucks within the next 6 to 12 months.
Satyakam Arya, MD and CEO at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, stated that the launch of the all-electric eCanter in India is just the beginning of their long-term plan to make their entire product portfolio carbon-neutral.
Moreover, the company stated that diesel internal combustion engines (ICE) and CO2-neutral propulsion will extend until at least 2050.
Arya said, “However, the reality is that diesel ICE and CO2-neutral propulsion technologies will continue to co-exist in the Indian market for the foreseeable future. Over the next two decades, we will have a firm footing with decarbonised transportation solutions and will be making progress towards becoming a leader in sustainable transportation in India.”
Additionally, the company asserts that its long-term strategy depends on numerous intricate external factors. It includes the availability of charging and refueling infrastructure, accessibility to green energy, cost parity, and gaining widespread customer acceptance.
“Therefore, our initial focus with the eCanter is to achieve product and service excellence, along with customer acceptance,” he added.
About the eCanter
The inception of the battery electric platform occurred within Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) Japan, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck. It is where the series production of the first-generation eCanter commenced in 2017.
Moreover, during the second half of 2022, the all-new Next-Generation eCanter made its global debut in Japan and Europe. Since its initial launch in 2017, the eCanter has achieved sales in the hundreds across multiple nations.
In major markets, the eCanter will have a significant impact. It will offer over 40 variants across a weight range of 4.25 to 8.55 tons and several body options.
Also, Daimler Truck now aims to make CO2-neutral transport, playing a crucial role in combating climate change.
DICV’s Operational Footprint
DICV made its entry into the market with a mission to reshape the Indian commercial vehicle sector. Notably, it set new standards in engineering, safety, and comfort with BharatBenz branded trucks and buses.
BharatBenz trucks and buses offer a wide-ranging product lineup spanning from 9 to 55 tons, catering to diverse customer needs. Moreover, since 2012, Daimler India has manufactured and exported over 240,000 trucks and buses.
DICV operates a plant in Oragadam near Chennai (Tamil Nadu), along with regional offices spread across India.
The DICV facility in Chennai is the sole global facility where engines, transmissions, trucks, and buses are manufactured under one roof, serving four distinct brands – BharatBenz, FUSO, Mercedes-Benz, and Freightliner.
