Events

Event Overview: Get ZET – Shifting Gears to Zero Emission Trucking

The Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET) at IIT Madras launched two significant initiatives to accelerate India’s path toward achieving 100% Zero Emission Truck (ZET) penetration by 2050. The event, titled “Get ZET – Shifting Gears to Zero Emission Trucking,” took place at the IIT Madras Research Park and highlighted critical projects aimed at promoting sustainable trucking in India.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, inaugurated the event, launching the two groundbreaking initiatives. During his keynote address, he emphasized a phased approach of Awareness, Acceptance, and Adoption, fostering trust and promoting the benefits of truck electrification for stakeholders at all levels.

Event Highlights and Key Launches

  1. Driver Rating Application (DRA):
    An  AI-driven mobile app designed to assess truck drivers’ behavior on safety and energy efficiency. The app provides anticipative alerts to enhance driving performance and encourage efficient driving habits, playing a vital role in fostering ZET adoption.
  2. Outreach and Awareness Campaign:
    A large-scale outreach initiative targeting truck drivers, operators, and associated stakeholders across  200+ locations in South, Central, West, and Eastern India. The campaign focuses on building awareness about ZET benefits, improving acceptance, and addressing user challenges at hyper-local levels.
  Why These Initiatives Are Crucial

Trucks represent only  5% of India’s vehicle fleet, yet they consume  65% of diesel, contributing significantly to pollution and fuel costs. These initiatives are expected to:

  • Reduce emissions and dependency on imported petroleum.
  • Improve driver comfort with quieter and safer truck operations.
  • Engage the trucking community by promoting energy efficiency through tailored solutions and real-world insights.

 

Leadership Contributions:

Prof. Karthick Athmanathan – Professor of Practice, Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras, kicked off the event by setting the stage and providing the context for the discussions to follow.

Prof. V. Kamakoti – Director, IIT Madras, delivered the keynote address and officially launched the two key projects, emphasizing the importance of Zero Emission Trucking for a sustainable future.

Prof. Shankar Ram CS – Prof. & Head, Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras, highlighted the pioneering e-mobility initiatives at IIT Madras, showcasing the institution’s role in transforming the transportation landscape.

Mr. Ajithkumar T K – Chief Executive Officer, CoEZET, shared insights on the Zero Emission Trucking (ZET) initiatives at CoEZET, discussing the organization’s vision for a cleaner, greener future in the freight sector.

M/s. Leading Purpose Campaigns & M/s. Motiv AI – presented their respective projects, outlining their significance in driving ZET adoption and advancing sustainable trucking solutions.

Expert Panel Discussion: “ZET Ecosystem – Challenges & Way Forward”

Industry visionaries came together to share insights and strategies shaping the future of Zero Emission Trucking, with Mr. Vijay Jaiswal moderating the discussion:

  • Mr. Sundaresan SA – Ashok Leyland
  • Mr. Rajesh Khanna – Tata Motors
  • Dr. S. Karthikeyan – Relux Electric
  • Mr. K.P. Karthikeyan – Zeon Charging

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