Urban freight plays an essential role in the social and economic development of cities. With the number of rapid urbanization, the demand for freight movement has increased exponentially. In cities, movement of urban freight involves transportation through two-wheelers, small/light commercial vehicles (S/LCVs), and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs). Recently with the expansion of India cities, a demand boom has been observed in the Small Commercial Vehicles (SCVs) (which are <3.5 tonne GVW vehicles comprising both three-wheelers and four-wheelers). These vehicles cater to most of the mid-mile and last mile delivery services in urban centres and around the peripheral areas due to their size, ease of operation (inter-changeable use), and efficiency.

Freight vehicles in India, including SCVs, primarily rely on diesel and account for the highest share of diesel consumption within the sector. This has an impact on energy security of the country and also perpetuates several negative externalities such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution.

Overcoming the associated negative externalities produced by urban freight as a consequence of running on fossil fuels requires switching to e-freight as electric vehicles are the cleanest form of commercially available vehicles. This study aims to provide a roadmap for that can help Indian states tackle the environmental concerns raised by fossil-fuel based LCVs and SCVs by transitioning them to low-carbon forms of transport. <

The key objectives of this study are:

1. Capturing best practices (Indian and International), current scenario in Indian context, and benefits of electrification of urban freight sector

2. Potential and barriers to electrify freight transport: Case Studies of Bengaluru, Surat and Delhi

3. Estimation of energy and emission savings by electrification of urban freight

4. Potential areas of electrification of urban freight vehicles in the country

5. Stakeholder engagement and road map for electrification of the urban freight sector

Part I provides a brief overview of the global and national e-Urban freight scenario as well as an assessment of the impacts of urban freight on energy consumption and emissions.