Financing Zero-Emission Trucking Infrastructure in India

The widespread adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India depends on establishing a high-capacity, reliable charging network — one that encompasses private depot charging, public charging, and the necessary grid infrastructure. Private depot charging, typically located in truck yards or warehouses, supports overnight and long-duration charging tailored to fleet needs. Public charging offers open-access stations along major freight corridors and high-traffic routes. To support these installations, strategic grid upgrades are essential to ensure an adequate and reliable power supply. This development requires significant investment, and targeted financing strategies are essential to unlock capital, reduce costs, and maximize the revenue potential of charging infrastructure.

This report explores strategies to finance the expansion of charging infrastructure to meet the power demands of ZETs. It maps the lending landscape to identify the most suitable financiers for different types of charging and examines how financial tools such as debt, equity, blended finance, and government intervention accelerate infrastructure development. Finally, it outlines practical implementation pathways, offering guidance on how public and private stakeholders can effectively coordinate efforts to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure and requisite grid upgrades at scale.

To mobilize the required capital, coordinated action is needed among government entities, financiers, distribution companies (DISCOMs), and charging point operators (CPOs). Public finance is crucial for unlocking investment in public charging infrastructure. It can play a catalytic role in crowding in private capital for depot charging through blended finance mechanisms and can also be used to mitigate lending risks for DISCOMs undertaking critical grid upgrades. At the same time, private investment is vital for scaling depot charging deployment and supporting CPOs, particularly those engaged in public-private partnership models for public charging. Mobilizing effective financing across these segments is crucial to accelerating ZET adoption and realizing India’s net-zero ambitions by 2070.