Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation participated in the launch of the NITI GearShift Challenge organised by NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, on July 12, 2024. The NITI GearShift Challenge invites students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers to develop innovative business models that address financial, technical, and operational challenges in the adoption of electric trucks.
Priti Shukla, Programme Manager, Shakti, who attended the launch event, explains, “The hackathon will have two rounds. In Round One, teams will submit their initial business models addressing a specific barrier—technical, operational, or financial—supported by high-level strategies and research. Shortlisted teams in Round 2 will present detailed business models with an implementation roadmap, backed by both primary and secondary research. These proposals will be mentored by industry leaders to ensure practical and impactful solutions.”
The pioneering hackathon aimed to foster innovative business models for adopting zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing the nation’s pressing economic and environmental challenges. It invites students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers to develop innovative business models that address financial, technical, and operational challenges in the adoption of electric trucks. The launch event witnessed participation of e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions and industry forum.
India’s freight sector is vital to the economy, ensuring the smooth delivery of goods to over 1.4 billion people. With road freight accounting for a staggering 55% of India’s annual diesel consumption and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions from road transport, there is an urgent need to transition to more sustainable solutions. The electrification of freight transportation is a key priority, as electric trucks offer a transformative opportunity to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security.
The GearShift Challenge marks a pivotal move towards sustainable freight transportation in India. By tapping into the creativity and expertise of participants, the hackathon aims to generate practical solutions that will accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks, thereby benefiting both the economy and the environment.