At the recently held bauma ConExpo Delhi, Propel unveiled its state-of-the-art electric vehicle, the 470 ETR, a fully electric, zero-emission 4×2 tractor-trailer combination designed for heavy-duty transport applications. Here’s what Siddharth Kirtane, President of EV Sales, Marketing, and Service at Propel Industries Pvt Ltd, had to say about its future vision and groundbreaking product features.

Please tell us about 470 ETR, the new product.
The 470 ETR is a fully electric 4×2 tractor-trailer combination we unveiled yesterday evening at the event. The product is designed to cater to various industrial segments including crushed aggregate, cement, and steel. The key feature of the 470 ETR is its 470 horsepower rating, which makes it one of the most powerful electric vehicles in its category. This vehicle is built on a modular platform, so the tractor and trailer can be configured separately depending on the specific application.

The vehicle operates on a zero-emission, fully electric drivetrain, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel-powered trucks. The 470 ETR represents the future of sustainable transportation, offering long-term cost savings and reducing the carbon footprint.

One of the 470 ETR’s standout features is its battery configuration flexibility. We currently offer this model with a 385 kWh battery option, which provides a range of approximately 250 kilometres on a single charge, ideal for medium-haul operations. However, based on the customer’s application needs, we also offer variants with batteries ranging from 256 kWh to 540 kWh. This allows our customers to select the right power capacity depending on the distances they need to cover.

We provide various charging solutions that charge the vehicle in approximately 70 to 80 minutes. We also offer slower charging options for applications with less critical time, which take 2 to 2.5 hours. This level of customisation ensures that we can meet the needs of different customers and industries.

What advanced features are incorporated into the vehicle for driver comfort and safety?
We have focused a lot on making this highly functional and driver-friendly vehicle. The 470 ETR has a fully air-conditioned cabin, ensuring maximum comfort during long-haul trips, especially in challenging weather conditions. The ergonomically designed cabin has adjustable steering and seating, offering a personalised driving experience.

From a safety perspective, the vehicle is equipped with several cutting-edge features. For instance, it comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to help prevent rollovers and maintain vehicle stability under various driving conditions. We’ve also integrated ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including lane-keeping assistance and automated emergency braking.

Additionally, the 470 ETR includes telematics and IoT integration, allowing fleet operators to monitor the vehicle’s performance in real time, improving maintenance efficiency and operational oversight. We’ve also added hill-start assist and electronic parking brakes to ease operation on gradients and stop-start driving environments. These features make it one of the most advanced trucks today.

It is a top-of-the-line vehicle in terms of safety and convenience. How does Propel ensure the overall safety and durability of the vehicle?
Safety is our top priority, and we have gone to great lengths to ensure that the 470 ETR meets the highest standards. The vehicle is built on a proven platform, which has undergone rigorous testing in various environments. The same platform is used in our 8×4 tipper trucks, which have already accumulated over 120,000 operational hours, proving the durability and reliability of the design.

The cabin is crash-tested and certified for roadworthiness, ensuring the vehicle can handle tough conditions. The vehicle also has a robust driveline, and we have incorporated strong safety features that protect the driver, the load, and the surrounding environment.

You mentioned the battery and charging system’s flexibility. How does this translate into the vehicle’s overall operation in different industries?
The 470 ETR is versatile and can be customised to meet the specific needs of various industries. For instance, we offer different body types, such as a rock body for mining and quarry applications or a box body for core transport and overburden hauling. The vehicle’s battery options and charging infrastructure are tailored based on the customer’s operational needs.

For example, in the mining and quarry sectors, we offer the 8×4 tipper vehicle with a 256 kWh or 385 kWh battery, depending on the job’s demands. This allows the vehicle to operate effectively in remote areas, with sufficient charging infrastructure tailored to the region’s needs. We aim to ensure that our vehicles can function optimally in all conditions and offer flexibility.

Speaking of customisation, what options do you offer for customers to adapt the vehicle to their specific applications?
We pride ourselves on offering flexibility in our products. As I mentioned, we offer different body configurations, such as the rock body for mining, a box body for core transport, and other customised configurations depending on customer needs. The chassis is designed to handle payloads up to 45 tons and a gross vehicle weight of 60 tons, which makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications like mining and construction.

Additionally, customers can choose the battery size that best suits their operational needs, and we also offer various charging options, from rapid chargers to slower charging solutions. Our team works closely with each customer to understand their specific requirements, ensuring our vehicles fully meet their operational demands.

The EV sector is evolving rapidly. How does Propel plan to expand its product portfolio in the future?
We have made great strides in expanding our product portfolio over the last year. Initially, we launched our 6×4 vehicles for quarry applications, and we’ve since expanded to 8×4 models and now the 4×2 tractor-trailer. Our product lineup will continue to grow as we see increasing demand for electric vehicles in various industries, including cement, steel, and e-commerce logistics.

We plan to offer more variants of our current models, further customising them for specific applications. We’re also developing a wider range of EVs catering to different weight classes and applications, allowing us to cover more sectors and address more customer needs. We’re committed to providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions, and as the industry evolves, so will our product offerings.

How do you foresee the adoption of electric vehicles in the transport segment in the coming years?
We are incredibly excited about the future of electric vehicles in the transport sector. The EV adoption rate is accelerating rapidly, especially in the heavy-duty segment, where companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs. The 470 ETR is a clear example of how electric vehicles can compete with traditional diesel-powered trucks in terms of performance, efficiency, and reliability.

As we move forward, we expect more customers to adopt EV technology, particularly in the mining, construction, and logistics industries. With government incentives and the push toward more sustainable solutions, electric vehicles are poised to reshape the transport landscape significantly. We are confident that Propel’s products will be at the forefront of this transformation.

Finally, what sets Propel apart from other players in the EV market?
Propel’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the EV market. We’re not just about creating high-performance electric vehicles; we’re focused on creating vehicles that make a real difference in environmental impact, operational efficiency, and driver safety. Our modular platform allows for unparalleled flexibility in customisation, and we provide complete solutions, including charging infrastructure and telematics, to ensure our customers get the most out of their investments.

Our products are built on proven platforms that have been tested and are already in use in the field, which speaks volumes about their durability and reliability. Additionally, our focus on customer collaboration and tailored solutions ensures that we meet the unique needs of every client.

In conclusion, Propel is not just leading the charge in the electric vehicle space; we’re committed to changing the game in the transport sector with groundbreaking technology, robust design, and a customer-first approach.

For more information, visit: https://www.propelind.com/