Image: PepsiCoPepsiCo has deployed 32-foot single-axle electric container trucks for its logistics operations between Kosi, Uttar Pradesh, and Pataudi, Haryana, a route spanning 115 kilometres. PepsiCo India’s Supply Chain Head, Rinkesh Satija, said that the company will use the trucks from Kosi to the national capital, Delhi, as well, which would be a slightly longer route of 126 kilometres.Neither PepsiCo nor Vayudoot Road Carriers have announced the technical specifications or any other details of the retrofitted electric trucks. However, a video Satija shared from the flag-off ceremony revealed that the fleet comprises modified versions of four trucks each manufactured by Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Eicher Trucks and Buses.Kalyani Powertrain, a wholly owned subsidiary of Indian auto component specialist Bharat Forge, carried out the retrofitting work. Based in Pune, Maharashtra, the company specialises in converting ICE commercial vehicles into electric ones. PepsiCo said that the retrofitted electric trucks will cover about 480,000 kilometres annually, with Satija adding that the figure will increase in the following years.PepsiCo has announced that it now uses more than 400 distributor-linked retrofitted electric three- and four-wheelers for its logistics operations in India.“The launch of the EV Green Corridor on the Kosi-Pataudi route, together with the electrification of our distributor fleet and CNG deployment in NCR, reflects our commitment to building a supply chain that is cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready,” said Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India & South Asia.Vayudoot Road Carriers plans to build a fleet of 50 electric trucks by the end of this year. The company also provides charging infrastructure along with the electric trucks via its new venture, Vayugreen Transchargers.“Our 25+ year partnership with PepsiCo India has helped us steadily build stronger capabilities and higher operating standards across our network. Anchoring on this trust, we are proud to deploy electric container trucks on the Kosi–Pataudi Green Corridor, reaffirming our commitment to sustainable and future-ready logistics,” said Ashwani Singhal, the company’s Managing Director.Information via e-mail; linkedin.com, linkedin.com