Ampstar, the electric commercial vehicle brand launched by JSW Greentech, has secured its first commercial order for 100 electric heavy-duty trucks from JSW Cement. The vehicles will support the cement producer’s logistics operations in southern India, transporting clinker and slag between facilities in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The trucks will operate on an approximately 330-kilometre route connecting Vijayanagar in Karnataka with Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh. JSW Cement expects the fleet to transport around 125,000 tonnes of cargo each month.
According to Ampstar, deploying the electric trucks could reduce diesel consumption across JSW Cement’s transport operations by approximately 45 million litres and avoid around 6,250 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the contract period.
Battery-swapping infrastructure to support operations
The order comprises 100 units of Ampstar’s 55-tonne 4×2 electric tractor. The model is available with either fixed or swappable battery configurations, with JSW Cement selecting the battery-swapping option for its fleet.
JSW Eco-Mobility, another subsidiary of JSW Greentech, will establish four battery-swapping stations along the route between Vijayanagar and Nandyal. The infrastructure is intended to support vehicle operations by allowing batteries to be exchanged rather than recharged during scheduled stops.
Paradeep Parivahan Limited, based in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, will serve as the logistics partner for the deployment.
Ampstar’s 55-tonne electric tractor receives certification
Ampstar introduced its 55-tonne electric tractor last month in both 4×2 and 6×4 configurations. The company said the vehicles are designed to operate with different trailer types, including sidewall, tipper, skeletal, flatbed and bulker trailers.
Alongside announcing the JSW Cement order, Ampstar confirmed that both configurations have received certification under India’s Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
At the model’s launch, Ampstar disclosed that the electric tractor features a 420 kW motor and can be equipped with a 282 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Customers can choose between fixed and swappable battery arrangements, with a stated driving range of approximately 140 to 150 kilometres.
For the 100 trucks ordered by JSW Cement, Ampstar has specified a 430 kW motor. The company has not disclosed the driving range of this particular configuration.
Production planned at Maharashtra facility
The electric truck order follows Ampstar’s introduction of a 12-metre electric staff bus last month. The company expects to deliver between 500 and 2,000 electric vehicles by March 2027, covering its initial commercial vehicle models.
Volkswagen Reportedly Pauses Further Investment in India EV Program Pending JSW Talks
Production will take place at a planned 90-acre greenfield manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
The JSW Cement contract provides Ampstar with its first commercial deployment as it begins expanding its electric commercial vehicle business in India.