BYD India to supply 50 electric cargo vans to logistics operator Eto Motors  

BYD India, the local arm of Chinese auto major BYD which is the world's largest EV manufacturer and well entrenched in India's electric bus market, has bagged orders for its recently revealed T3 electric cargo four-wheeler. Electric fleet operator Eto Motors has placed an initial order for 50 T3 cargo vehicles, which are to be pushed into service immediately.

According to BYD, with its cutting-edge EV technology, a single T3 MPV or minivan can save fuel consumption and emissions equivalent to five passenger cars. Both models require an hour-and-a-half to get fully charged using DC charging equipment, and both also support standard AC chargers. Once fully charged, both models can travel up to 300km. 

The vehicles to be supplied will be designed and manufactured with BYD’s power battery, motor, motor controllers and powertrains. Eto Motors plans to substantially expand its electric cargo fleet with an order for 4,000 BYD-produced EVs comprising both three- and four-wheelers for freight and cargo operations. Eto Motors plans to deploy these 4,000 EVs across 20 cities over the next year to service logistics needs as wel as cater to online and brick-and-mortar retailiers.     

Commenting on the partnership with Eto Motors,  Ketsu Zhang, Executive Director, BYD India, said, “Developing and promoting a strong EV ecosystem and cultivating consumer awareness and confidence to adopt clean technology is our goal in making the planet better. The logistics segment is one of the largest users of transportation and resultant addition to the emissions is significant, the usage is only increasing over time with improved road infrastructure and rapid urbanisation and increasing consumer demand for retail products. Companies now have a ready solution to help them with their own sustainability goals without having to invest into vehicle ownership.” 

Biju Mathews, Chief Executive Officer, ETO Motors said, “ETO Motors is committed to cause of clean mobility in India and is uniquely placed to seamlessly deploy the fleet of electric vehicles, be it enable clean shared and safe mobility for individuals or to transport cargo. First mile, last mile and intra-city solutions from ETO motors is made possible due to full control over the EV ecosystem related to manufacturing, EV infra and recharging and battery production tie-ups, service agreements and partnerships with several city metros and ride-share companies. Addition of cargo EVs in collaboration with Global clean energy Leader BYD, will help us service the sustainable supply chain logistic needs of retailers.”     

Gunning for sales in India's logistics sector
In an exclusive interview with Autocar Professional earlier this year, BYD India’s Zhang had said: “BYD’s T3 MPV and T3 minivan models adopt BYD’s proprietary battery technology, whose safety, reliability and lifecycle are proven by the company’s 11-year track record of EV operation as well as its global EV footprint. The vehicles offer the best configuration available in the market, featuring keyless entry, push-button start, a music system with Bluetooth connectivity, reverse parking cameras and sensors, and well-designed spaces for cargo storage or passengers. The vehicles are equipped with automatic transmission, which makes them among the most easily operable vehicles on the market.

“Both models also come with advanced safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Parking System (EPB), Brake Override System (BOS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and more. A regenerative braking system helps to improve range and save energy, while the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus communication system provides smart management and maintenance. Compared to a traditional fuel minivan, the T3 MPV and T3 minivan can effectively reduce the cost of urban logistics distribution. Adopting BYD’s cutting-edge technology, one single T3 MPV or T3 minivan can save fuel consumption and emissions equivalent to 5 passengers cars. Both models require only 1.5 hours to fully charge using DC charging equipment, and both also support standard AC chargers. Once fully charged, both models can travel up to 300km.

The T3 series is designed and developed for global markets and complies with international standards. Since this is the first time that BYD has introduced these models into the Indian market, we are exploring local clients’ requirements and the most suitable configuration for this market. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that the T3 series is a very good option for the Indian market, as it is well tuned to the demands of the B2B and logistics sector.”

There are over 3 million cargo vehicles plying on Indian roads and there is an additional influx of these vehicles to the tune of 0.70 million every year. Introduction and adoption of EV cargo will ensure that the emissions levels can be controlled significantly and can have a positive impact on the environment over time. Annual reduction in emission for a cargo minivan averaging 200 KMs travel a day is around 13,500 kgs saving 5,000 litres of diesel a day.

Recommended reading: Interview with BYD India’s Ketsu Zhang

.