Overhead Automated
Charging Device (OH-ACD)
Solving the Downtime Dilemma in India's
Electric Trucking Ecosystem
Solving the Downtime Dilemma in India's
Electric Trucking Ecosystem
Developed through a collaboration between Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET), IIT Madras, and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune this Made-for-India solution addresses the critical challenge of vehicle downtime by delivering ultra-fast charging tailored to local truck architectures and environmental conditions.
Commercial freight operations depend heavily on vehicle utilization. Every hour a truck spends charging is an hour it is not transporting goods.Conventional charging systems can require several hours to recharge large battery packs, creating operational inefficiencies for logistics operators.
Infrastructure interoperability concerns
Long charging durations
Reduced fleet productivity
Higher operational planning complexity
Need for scalable charging standards
The Overhead Automated Charging Device (OH-ACD) is an advanced high-current automated charging system developed specifically for India's electric trucking ecosystem.
Unlike imported charging systems adapted for local conditions, OH-ACD has been designed from the ground up to accommodate Indian truck architectures, environmental conditions, and freight operating patterns.
Purpose-built for India's heavy-duty electric trucking ecosystem.
Delivers industry-leading charging performance to reduce vehicle downtime and improve fleet productivity.
Designed to support a wide range of commercial vehicles.
Smart communication enables secure charging and remote management.
Developed specifically for Indian environmental and operating conditions.
Multiple layers of protection ensure reliable and safe charging.
Key electrical and communication specifications of the OH-ACD system.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Charging Power | 600 kW |
| Maximum Voltage | 1000 V |
| Maximum Current | 600 A |
| Communication Protocol | ISO 15118-20 |
| Backend Connectivity | OCPP |
| Vehicle Compatibility | 12T+ Trucks |
OH-ACD enables opportunity charging, allowing trucks to recharge during operational stops such as:
This approach transforms idle time into productive charging time, significantly improving fleet utilization.
Designed to empower stakeholders across the EV ecosystem with faster charging, seamless operations, and future-ready infrastructure.
Charging can be completed in approximately 20–30 minutes.
Vehicles spend more time transporting freight.
Automated charging minimizes driver intervention.
Supports growing electric fleet requirements.
Supports interoperability across truck platforms.
Supports future charging technology upgrades.
Reduces charging concerns among customers.
Ideal for freight corridors and logistics hubs.
OCPP integration supports centralized management.
Enables advanced charging services and analytics.
OH-ACD incorporates intelligent communication and control capabilities.
Safety is a core design principle of OH-ACD.
All major components are designed with a safety factor greater than 2.
Electrical and mechanical safety systems ensure safe operation during charging and maintenance activities.
Mechanical systems prevent unintended disengagement during power loss.
Beyond technology development, OH-ACD contributes toward the establishment of national standards for overhead automated charging systems.
This work strengthens India's long-term electric mobility ecosystem.
The Over-Head Automated Charging Device is not merely a piece of charging equipment; it is an indispensable component of India's integrated logistics and multi-modal transport infrastructure roadmap.By providing a standardised, high-power, automated charging backbone, the OH-ACD directly supports the national goal of sustainable, high-throughput commercial fleet operations. It tackles key operational challenges, minimises manual handling, and solidifies India’s position as a pioneer in next-generation electric mobility, setting a new benchmark for fleet electrification across the nation.