DICV announces foray into EVs with the eCanter

Chennai - Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV)., a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has announced its entry into the Indian battery electric market with the Next-Gen eCanter, aiming to decarbonize its product portfolio. The launch is expected in 6-12 months.

Daimler Truck commits to Paris Climate Agreement, aims for CO2-neutral transport globally. Targets CO2-neutral trucks and buses in Europe, Japan, and USA by 2039, and worldwide by 2050. DICV aligns with global decarbonization vision, working towards CO2-neutral product lineup in India.

Mr. Satyakam Arya, Managing Director & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles said, “All our efforts are being put into achieving robust readiness for our future products that will feature CO₂-neutral propulsion technologies in the long term. The launch of the all-electric eCanter in India, within the next 6 to 12 months, is the first step in our long-term strategy to decarbonize our entire product portfolio. 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. A long-term plan like ours hinges on many complex external factors, some of which are, the availability of a charging and refuelling infrastructure, the availability of green energy, cost parity and wide-scale customer acceptance. Therefore, our initial focus with the eCanter is to achieve product and service excellence, along with customer acceptance. Over the next two decades we will have a firm footing with decarbonized transportation solutions and will be making progress towards becoming a leader in sustainable transportation in India.”

DICV monitors Indian market trends closely, aligning CO2-neutral propulsion roadmap with Daimler Truck's global strategy. Developing hydrogen fuel cell technology with Indian partner. Future plans include introducing trucks for various utility segments catering to diverse freight and terrain needs.

“LNG, if used at all, will be an interim, tactical solution for long haul transportation. We will primarily commit to battery-electric and hydrogen-based propulsion technologies across our future product portfolio, in a phased manner. One thing is for sure that we will be ready with the right vehicles when the market is,” said Mr. Arya.

All-electric eCanter undergoing advanced trials for India, based on platform from Japan's series production since 2017. Next-Gen eCanter premiered in Japan and Europe in 2022. Hundreds sold globally since 2017. Next-gen eCanter to offer 100 variants globally. India's CO2-neutral propulsion market in early stages, with significant long-term potential. India's R&D hub to grow with introduction of new technologies but requires supportive policies and market environment to compete globally.

Commenting on how a conducive policy framework is crucial to ensuring economic viability for customers, Mr. Arya added, “Successful adoption of CO₂-neutral vehicles is possible if there is wide consumer acceptance about changes in the equations of total cost of ownership. This underscores the influence of important factors in achieving success in sustainable mobility solutions. By foraying into the CO₂-neutral propulsion technologies, DICV aims at contributing to India’s future as it progresses towards becoming one of world’s top five commercial vehicle markets.”