Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd., a carbon black manufacturer, has introduced a fleet of six LNG (liquified natural gas)-powered container trucks to transport carbon black to tyre industry clients. The move marks a step toward more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious logistics operations.
Compared to diesel-powered trucks, the LNG vehicles are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20–25%, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90%, and nearly eliminate particulate matter emissions. These trucks are also projected to deliver 5–10% better fuel efficiency, contributing to lower fuel consumption and long-term cost benefits for the company and its customers.
The adoption of LNG-powered transport also supports Scope 3 emission reductions for both Epsilon and its tyre sector clients. As downstream emissions fall under this category, the move allows tyre companies to report these reductions in their sustainability disclosures.
Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Carbon, stated that India’s road transport sector, which handles nearly 70% of domestic freight, must transition to cleaner alternatives. He added that Epsilon’s decision to deploy LNG trucks is aligned with India’s broader decarbonization goals and the company’s own plans to lower its environmental footprint.
Each truck in the fleet has an operational range of about 500 kilometers, making them suitable for medium- to long-distance freight. Epsilon plans to scale up the LNG fleet in phases depending on demand and usage levels.
Established in 2017, Epsilon Carbon operates manufacturing units in Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. It produces 215,000 metric tons of carbon black and 320,000 metric tons of specialty carbon annually. The company is fully backward integrated, sources feedstock from the steel industry, and operates a Zero Liquid Discharge system while meeting all energy needs through recovered waste gases.