Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 8 – In a landmark step toward electrifying India’s heavy-duty logistics sector, Flytta has unveiled the country’s inaugural retrofitted electric truck with a robust 13-ton payload capacity. Tailored specifically for transporting cement bags over treacherous ghat roads and rugged industrial landscapes, this innovation promises to slash emissions in one of the nation’s most carbon-intensive supply chains.
The truck, a collaborative triumph between Flytta’s logistics prowess, Kalyani Powertrain Limited’s (KPTL) cutting-edge EV retrofitting expertise, and Dalmia Cement’s eco-driven operations, is now hitting the pavement on the demanding Yadwad-Goa corridor. This tripartite partnership not only addresses the practical challenges of electrifying medium- and heavy-duty vehicles but also establishes a blueprint for widespread industrial decarbonization across India.
At the heart of this breakthrough is KPTL, the electric mobility arm of the diversified Kalyani Group, which spearheaded the custom development of the truck. By retrofitting an existing chassis with advanced electric powertrain solutions, the vehicle maintains the durability needed for hauling 13 tonnes of cargo while delivering zero tailpipe emissions. “This isn’t just a truck; it’s a game-changer for sustainable freight in challenging terrains,” said a Flytta spokesperson, highlighting how the design bridges a critical gap in India’s nascent electric truck ecosystem.
Dalmia Cement, a frontrunner in green manufacturing, is integrating the truck into its fleet to transport cement bags along the hilly Yadwad-Goa route—a stretch notorious for steep inclines and winding paths that test even the toughest diesel rigs. The initiative aligns seamlessly with Dalmia’s broader commitment to transforming its supply chain, aiming to reduce Scope 3 emissions through electrified logistics. Early trials suggest the truck’s electric drivetrain offers superior torque for hill climbs, quieter operation, and lower operating costs, potentially cutting fuel expenses by up to 50% compared to traditional models.
Flytta, a rising star in sustainable logistics, brings its end-to-end expertise to the table, managing fleet deployment, charging infrastructure, and route optimization. The company’s focus on retrofitting—repurposing existing vehicles rather than building from scratch—makes this scalable and cost-effective, especially for industries like cement where fleet sizes run into the thousands. “We’re proving that electric mobility isn’t a luxury for passenger cars; it’s viable and vital for industrial heavyweights,” noted Flytta’s leadership in the announcement.
This launch comes at a pivotal moment for India’s EV ambitions. With the government targeting 30% electrification of commercial vehicles by 2030 under the FAME-III scheme, initiatives like this accelerate the shift from fossil fuels. The cement sector alone, responsible for about 8% of global CO2 emissions, stands to benefit immensely; Dalmia’s adoption could inspire peers like UltraTech and ACC to follow suit. Moreover, by tackling ghat-specific challenges—such as regenerative braking for energy recovery on descents—the truck sets a precedent for regional adaptations in a geographically diverse country.
Industry observers are buzzing about the potential ripple effects. On X (formerly Twitter), EV enthusiasts hailed the move as a “milestone for Indian trucking,” with one post from Green Wheels Weekly spotlighting the truck’s deployment for “hauling through tough ghat roads.” As retrofitting gains traction, it could democratize EV adoption, allowing smaller operators to go green without the prohibitive costs of new builds.
While full production details remain under wraps, Flytta has hinted at expanding the fleet and exploring other sectors like mining and steel. For now, this 13-ton electric beast is quietly revolutionizing the Yadwad-Goa run, one emission-free mile at a time. In a nation racing toward net-zero, Flytta, Kalyani, and Dalmia aren’t just moving cement—they’re paving the road to a cleaner future.
