CJ Darcl and NHEV sign MoU to pilot heavy electric trucks

CJ Darcl Logistics and National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore deployment of heavy electric trucks and supporting infrastructure along dedicated highway corridors, with the Bengaluru–Chennai route chosen as the first pilot.

Under the agreement, the partners will jointly study and develop charging and energy infrastructure (including integrated energy stations with charging, battery swapping and solar power), co‑own and operate a fleet of heavy electric trucks on the corridor, and test operating models aimed at making electric freight commercially viable at scale.

The collaboration combines CJ Darcl’s freight and fleet management capabilities with NHEV’s highway infrastructure experience, and will involve identifying truck manufacturers and technology partners, setting operational standards, and working on policy and infrastructure measures needed for wider adoption.

The MoU also proposes operational arrangements to enable a gradual transition from diesel to electric haulage—for example, a trailer‑exchange model around the National Capital Region to allow handoffs between diesel and electric trucks—along with fleet management, driver training and other services to ensure scalable operations.

Both organisations say the Bengaluru–Chennai pilot is intended as a blueprint for expanding a national network of low‑emission freight corridors, demonstrating the commercial case for heavy electric trucking while reducing logistics emissions.