Skip to content

Accelerating Zero-Emission Trucking Policies

A Global Policy Handbook with a Roadmap for India

By Vaibhav Sabharwal, Samhita Shiledar, Akshima Ghate, Pranav Lakhina, Abhishek Murali, and Chetna Nagpal

Jump to Section

With global trucking demand expected to double by 2050, transitioning to zero-emission trucks (ZETs) is critical to reducing emissions, improving public health, and enhancing energy security. While ZET sales are gaining momentum — global sales surged by 170 percent since 2020 — many regions remain in the early stages of adoption, requiring a dedicated push for ZET-specific policy measures. This report provides a comprehensive policy handbook, detailing how demand, supply, and infrastructure-related interventions can accelerate ZET adoption.

Drawing from successful global case studies, the report illustrates how targeted policies can de-risk investment and scale up adoption, providing valuable insights for regions with limited ZET uptake. The report further presents a phase-wise policy roadmap for India, outlining short-, medium-, and long-term interventions to accelerate ZET deployment. By aligning with India’s growing freight sector and emerging initiatives, the roadmap provides policymakers with actionable steps to establish a thriving ZET ecosystem, ensuring a cleaner, more efficient future for freight transport.

About the Authors

Akshima Ghate

Abhishek Murali

Chetna Nagpal

Help build the clean energy future. Donate today.

Independent research. Real-world solutions. Supported by donors.

RMI can pursue the highest-impact climate and energy solutions because we’re supported by people who believe change is possible. Every gift helps advance the work needed to make clean energy the default choice worldwide.

For other ways to give to RMI, including checks or gifts of stock, please visit Other Ways to Give.