Billion Electric Mobility (BillionE) has partnered with JK Cement to deploy 150 heavy-duty electric trucks across Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, making one of the region’s largest deployments of electric trucks for cement logistic. The collaboration began with an initial fleet of 20 electric trucks from JK Cement’s Muddapur plant in Karnataka, with the remaining vehicles planned to be introduced in phases. The partnership represents a significant step in the adoption of battery-electric vehicle for heavy duty transportation. The truck is expected to be deployed in phases by March 2027, according to reports.
This latest deployment by JK Cement is one of the largest deployments of electric trucks in the cement sector in India. The project will help the company gain practical experience in operating heavy-duty electric trucks on high-volume transport routes and in challenging conditions. It will also demonstrate the potential of electric trucks for B2B logistics and commercial freight operations.
The initial fleet will feature Montra Electric’s Rhino 5538, a 55-tonne electric truck. The model will be available in both tipper and tractor-trailer versions, with JK Cement initially deploying the tractor-trailer variant. The truck will be offered in a 4×2 configuration and powered by a 280-kW electric motor and a 282-kWh LFP battery pack. Depending on the variant and operating conditions, it is claimed to offer a range of 198 km or 169 km. The battery can be charged from 20% to 100% in approximately one hour.
The phased deployment by BillionE and JK Cement aims to show that electric trucks can support regular, real-world freight operations at scale, rather than being limited to small pilot projects. By combining high-capacity electric trucks, fast charging, and smart route planning, the project could provide a model for the logistics industry to move towards zero-emission freight transport.
