e-FAST: Paving the Way for Zero-Emission Freight

Objective: The objective is to examine and propose the necessary policy, regulatory, and financial structures that can expedite the widespread utilization of zero-emission trucks (ZETs). It will also focus on fostering partnerships and addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in the scalable implementation of ZETs. We aim to showcase best practices that can serve as a guide for other developing nations.
Venue: Regional Climate Foundations Pavillion- COP28 (Pavilion No – TA3-145), Blue zone– B7 and building 88 (Ground floor of building 88, left hand side).
Date: December 8, 2023
Time: 12:00 hrs to 13:30 GST (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Moderator: Mr Narayankumar Sreekumar, Associate Director (Electric Mobility Initiative), Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation

Narayankumar Sreekumar, Associate Director, Electric Mobility Initiative, Shakti, took on the role of moderating the session to examine and propose the necessary policy, regulatory, and financial focus on fostering partnerships and addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in the scalable implementation of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs). We aim to showcase best practices that can serve as a guide for other developing nations.

Panelists:

  • Mr Sudhendu J Sinha, Adviser , Infrastructure Connectivity & Electric Mobility, NITI Aayog, Govt.of India
  • Mr Cristiano Façanha, Director, Road Freight Electrification, Smart Freight Centre
  • Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director, The Energy and Resources Institute
  • Ms Jennie Dodson, Senior Director, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
  • Ms Ulka Kelkar, Executive Director, Climate, World Resources Institute India
  • Ms Concepción Boo Arias, International Communication Partner, MAERSK

Topics to address/ key questions:

  • Role of Policy Leaders: Discuss active contributions of policy leaders in shaping the discourse on freight decarbonization in India
  • Demand Aggregation in Freight: Explore the potential of demand aggregation in freight and address challenges to prepare the grid for electrifying heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Incorporating Zero-Emission Trucks (ZETs) into the FAME Scheme: Analysing the efficient integration of freight within the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme. Additionally, exploring indispensable regulatory and financial frameworks crucial for the widespread adoption of Zero-Emission Trucks (ZETs).
  • Leveraging ZEV Mandates to Drive Freight Electrification

Detailed agenda

Time Theme/ Description Theme/Activity  Description Participants
 10 mins Context setting  e-FAST: A comprehensive overview and Insights into the contributions of Knowledge Partners Mr.Vijay Jaiswal, Smart Freight Centre
40 mins Experiences from the Indian sub-continent on freight electrification Showcase successful initiatives from civil society in planning low-carbon growth at the sub-national level. Each panelist will speak for 6 minutes each Panel members
 30 mins Moderated
discussion and
open-house Q&A
Encouraging participants to share their insights and ideas through key questions on strategies for fostering partnerships and addressing the challenges and opportunities inherent in the scalable implementation of ZETs:

  • Role of Policy Leaders: Discuss active contributions of policy leaders in shaping the discourse on freight decarbonization in India
  • Demand Aggregation in Freight: Explore the potential of demand aggregation in freight and address challenges to prepare the grid for electrifying heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Integration into FAME Scheme: Examine effective integration of freight into the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme and its impact on expediting freight electrification.
  • Leveraging ZEV Mandates to Drive Freight Electrification
Moderator and panellists
10 mins Closing remarks Summary of key messages and invitation to continue the efforts and dialogue. Narayankumar Sreekumar, SSEF