From pilots to scale How EVs are redefining India’s last-mile logistics

Over the last few years, how have you seen green mobility solutions evolve in the logistics and last-mile delivery space? Are we past the experimentation phase?

Green mobility has moved out of prototypes into a real, usable operational playbook for organised logistics. Just a few years ago, electric vehicles were primarily pilot programs; now, organised players are deploying fleets at scale, building charging partnerships, and reorganising routes around battery range. At Jassper Shipping, we have already operationalised an electric vehicle-first last-mile model. We have already deployed an initial tranche of EVs and are ramping quickly. Government initiatives have played a crucial role in expediting that shift. The FAME-II scheme has reduced the starting costs for Electric Vehicles (EVs). The PM E-Drive initiative, launched in September 2024 with a budget of around ₹10,900 crore, was focused on promoting EV adoption in the commercial sector and building charging stations. Likewise, the recent introduction of incentives for charging networks and battery-swapping models has further advanced the adoption of EVs. These government-led initiatives, coupled with corporate sustainability schemes, have transformed green mobility into an important driver in the logistics industry.

How is the adoption of electric vehicles progressing in e-commerce, grocery, and hyperlocal delivery segments? Which categories are leading this shift and why?

Within e-commerce and quick-commerce, there are predictable short-distance routes with high volumes of delivery, which create optimal conditions for electric vehicles. Grocery and food delivery platforms are also following their lead quickly since their business requires frequent trips and a focus on cost efficiency. In other words, the electric vehicle (EV) helps to lower their cost per kilometre and satisfy their associated sustainability proposition. Categories such as pharmaceuticals and essentials are exploring the option of using electric vehicles for controlled and consistent deliveries within urban environments. All in all, those categories with dense delivery networks, in conjunction with a strong brand ESG commitment, lead the way. Jassper Shipping has partnered with companies like D-Mart and Big Basket to show you how logistics companies are collaborating with retailers to electrify urban delivery networks. With the operation of 58 EVs in our 380-location network and collaboration with leading retail brands, we are exemplifying that sustainable delivery can also be fast, reliable, and cost-effective.

How do the economics of EV fleets compare to conventional two-wheelers or mini-trucks today?

The upfront costs could be slightly more expensive, but with the longer-term metrics like fuel savings, maintenance, and tax incentives, it’s an economic story that’s clearly in favour of EVs. The operating costs, measured on a per-kilometre basis, come down 40-60 per cent compared to ICE vehicles. Considering the increased usage, payback usually occurs within two years. At Jassper Shipping, we’ve witnessed this firsthand on urban delivery models. Due to volume, a fleet running continuously and at volume leads to a total cost of ownership that is significantly different to that of petrol or diesel vehicles.

What are the primary drivers accelerating EV adoption— government policies, cost of fuel, sustainability commitments by brands, or operational efficiency gains?

There is a significant role all these factors play altogether. Higher fuel prices have made EVs more appealing in terms of cost, and the sustainability commitments of brands are establishing precise targets to be electrification-ready. Several government policies—including incentives of FAME-II, road tax waivers, and state-sponsored subsidies—have reduced the entry barriers for operators. However, the real driver for long-term adoption is operational efficiency. As fleets optimise their routes and charging cycles, they are finding EVs are not only cleaner, but also smarter and easier to manage. Every one of these aspects is working together. The increase in fuel cost, as well as the clear ESG objectives, has made EVs more of a business requirement rather than a choice.

What are the biggest challenges logistics companies face while scaling EV fleets— battery management, vehicle downtime, maintenance ecosystem, or driver training?

There are several challenges while scaling EV fleets, the main ones being the infrastructure and ecosystem. There is a lack of charging infrastructure, particularly in the non-metropolitan areas. The maintenance and low availability of spare parts are still ongoing challenges, with unskilled labour required for EV fleets. Certain challenges, such as battery performance, have been addressed to some degree through the newest technologies, but driver training and managing downtime are still important. The other significant challenge is the financial and operational planning, logistically, to scale our EV fleets. Logistics providers will have challenges, manage sticker shock and uncertainty of mileage and resell value, along with the financial means to meet upfront costs. Various skills involve operating EVs, from the driver to the technician. For this transition, Jassper Shipping will host training sessions, hands-on training and dashboards utilising telematics to assist with delivering driver performance.

What role does telematics, battery analytics, and route optimisation play in ensuring efficient EV fleet performance?

Is Jassper Shipping deploying any proprietary solutions here? What makes EV logistics possible at scale is technology. In real time, telematics allows us to monitor battery health, vehicle efficiency, and adherence to routes, and predictive analytics allows for efficient charging, extended battery life and reduced idle time. In addition to telemetry and visibility technology is changing the everyday operation of electric vehicle (EV) fleets. For instance, intelligent data insights can predict when a vehicle will need to charge or perform maintenance, and can make recommendations before it is inoperable.

What milestones should the industry aim for over the next 3–5 years to accelerate the transition to green mobility?

And what role will Jassper Shipping play in shaping that journey? The main focus of the industry should be to electrify at least 30–40 per cent of last-mile fleets. For an efficient transition to green mobility, it is crucial to create a charging ecosystem, which makes access to charging easier. Another area of focus is financial structures for fleet operators and systematic servicing for EVs. At Jassper Shipping, we are focused on widening our EV-led delivery network, investing in charging depots, and collaborating with OEMs for innovation. In future, we aim to create eco-friendly transportation that is sustainable and financially stable not only for us but for the whole ecosystem.