FEASIBILITY OF ELECTRIFICATION OF URBAN FREIGHT, SURAT

Electric mobility is the best alternative to ICE vehicles for achieving SDGs. The benefits of EVs are well known. They have zero tailpipe emissions, low carbon footprint, low or zero fuel costs, the low total cost of ownership compared to an ICE vehicle, are comparatively quieter and do not have any negative impact on public health. Urban freight transport is a crucial mode of transport as efficient flow of goods is essential for the effective functioning of the urban economy and fundamental to sustaining our existing lifestyle. Urban freight transport is getting little attention in policy documents or city management. As benefits of electrification are already known, promoting and adapting electric freight vehicles will be an initiative towards sustainable means and newer technologies. Surat is the biggest center of manmade fiber in India and the largest manufacturer of clothes in the country. Textile market of Surat is highly active and there is ever increasing need of efficient transport services in all the stages of the textile supply chain. Due to benefits of electric vehicles, importance of urban freight and demand of freight services in the textile market, the idea for electrification of urban freight vehicles in the textile segment of Surat has been adopted.