India wants electric vehicles to make up 30 per cent of all vehicle sales by 2030, as part of its broader plan to cut pollution and shift towards greener mobility. On paper, it sounds like a clear direction. On the ground, especially in logistics, the picture is more mixed. To understand the repercussions and consequences of this, ResponsibleUs spoke to Swarup Bose, Founder and CEO of Celcius Logistics, to understand how this shift is playing out on the ground. “The shift is already visible, but only in parts of the sector,” said Swarup Bose.

In cities, electric three-wheelers and small trucks are slowly becoming part of daily delivery networks. According to Bose, this is where electric mobility fits best for now. Short routes, fixed schedules and rising fuel costs are making the transition easier for operators. But the story changes when it comes to cold chain logistics. “Electrification will first happen in the urban cold chain. Long-distance refrigerated transport will take longer,” Bose explained.

Cold chain trucks do more than just move goods. They have to maintain a constant temperature, often across long distances. That makes electrification more complex. Refrigerated trucks already cost more than regular vehicles, and switching to electric can increase prices two to three times. There is also the issue of power.

“Cooling systems need continuous electricity, not just when the vehicle is moving but even when it is stationary,” Bose said. “That makes reliable charging access critical.”

Right now, that is where the biggest gap lies. Charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles is still limited, especially on highways. Many depots and warehouses face challenges because they lack the necessary equipment to support high-power charging operations. Bose explains that operators need reliable electricity access because any disruption will result in cold chain failure which causes cargo loss.

Routes that are shorter and predictable, such as farm-to-warehouse or city distribution, are more suited for electric trucks. Bose refers to studies showing that trucks with a range of around 400 kilometres could meet most daily freight needs. Driver rest breaks can also be used for charging.

Cost remains another key factor. Electric refrigerated trucks are more expensive to buy, but cheaper to run. “Diesel trucks may cost around ?30 per kilometre in fuel, while electric trucks can bring that down to roughly ?17,” Bose added. Lower maintenance also adds to the savings over time.

Still, for smaller transporters, the upfront investment is a major hurdle. “Most small fleet owners operate on thin margins. Without access to financing or leasing options, adoption becomes difficult,” he notes.

Customer demand for greener logistics is also growing, but slowly. “There is awareness, and many customers say they prefer sustainable options. But when it comes to paying more, the response is still cautious,” Bose said.

To manage this, companies are focusing on efficiency. Tools like route optimisation are helping reduce fuel use by 15 to 20 per cent, cutting both costs and emissions without raising prices significantly.

On the technology side, battery systems have improved. “Newer battery chemistries are more stable and better suited for logistics operations,” Bose explains. Real-time monitoring and tracking tools are also helping reduce risks. Still, he adds, the transition needs proper infrastructure and trained handling to work smoothly.

Policy support is evolving, but gaps remain. “There is a clear shift towards supporting commercial EVs, which is important. But charging infrastructure, especially along freight corridors, needs faster development,” Bose said.

He notes that although trucks make up a small portion of all vehicles, they transport more than 70% of India's goods. This segment's emissions might be significantly reduced by electrifying it. Another shift is going on at the same time.

Reporting carbon emissions is growing in popularity. Big businesses will have to monitor emissions throughout their supply chains, including logistical partners, as a result of the new requirements.

“This will push logistics firms to measure and report their emissions more systematically,” Bose said. “Over time, it will become a standard business requirement.”

Looking ahead, Bose believes the cold chain sector will continue to grow, which could increase overall emissions. But the way these emissions are generated may start to change.

“As cleaner technologies, better refrigeration systems and renewable energy adoption increase, the carbon intensity can come down,” he added.

For now, the transition remains uneven. The push towards electric logistics is real, but the road ahead depends on how quickly infrastructure, financing and policy support catch up with ambition.