The Flagship Of Hinduja Group, Ashok Leyland Unveils Groundbreaking 55-Tonne Electric Tractor-Trailer, Set To Revolutionize Heavy Transport
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, made waves on Tuesday by showcasing its cutting-edge 55-tonne electric tractor-trailer at a mini expo organized in the city. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the company as it prepares to commence commercial production of these electric tractor-trailers in India, with plans to launch in select markets soon.
During the expo’s inauguration, Sanjeev Kumar, President of Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCV) at Ashok Leyland, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, stating, “The AVTR 55T electric tractor-trailer represents a major leap in our commitment to sustainable transportation. We are excited by the response we’ve received and are confident that this will set new benchmarks in the industry.”
The AVTR 55T, equipped with a 300kWh battery and offering a range of 185 kilometers, is priced at ₹1.39 crore. While this is higher compared to the ₹45 lakh price tag of a similar diesel variant, the value lies in its alignment with evolving environmental standards and corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
Mr. Prakash Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Europe, added, “At Ashok Leyland, we are committed to leading the charge towards a greener future. The launch of our electric tractor-trailer is not just about innovation; it’s about taking responsibility for our planet. We believe this will be a game-changer for industries that prioritize sustainability.”
Kumar acknowledged that while adoption in the MHCV segment might initially be slow due to the current cost structure — largely driven by the expense of batteries and motors — the momentum towards green operations is undeniable. “Many large companies, particularly in the steel and cement sectors, are already looking at e-trucks to enhance their ESG scores. Although it may take time for electric transport vehicles in the MHCV segment to match the cost of ownership of diesel vehicles, the shift is inevitable as companies strive to meet their sustainability targets,” Kumar noted.
With the AVTR 55T already homologated, Ashok Leyland has been actively showcasing the electric tractor-trailer in various markets through mini-expos, receiving a tremendous response. The company is proud to report an order book of 50 units, indicating strong interest and confidence in this new offering.
As the industry awaits further developments, Ashok Leyland’s electric tractor-trailer stands as a beacon of innovation, promising to pave the way for a more sustainable future in heavy commercial transport.
About the Hinduja Group
The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerate. Employing about 200,000 employees, with a presence across 38 countries, it has a multi-billion-dollar revenue. The Group was founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja whose credo was “My duty (dharma) is to work so that I can give.” The Group owns businesses in Mobility, Digital Technology, Banking and Financial Services, Media, Project Development, Lubricants and Specialty Chemicals, Energy, Real Estate, Trading, and Healthcare. The Group also supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.
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