New Delhi: India has announced a 30% fuel efficiency target for trucks, marking a major step toward reducing fuel use, lowering transport costs, and cutting carbon emissions. The new policy will be based on Bharat VECTO, a new digital simulation tool that will measure the fuel efficiency of heavy commercial vehicles before they are sold. The initiative is being led by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) with support from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
What is Bharat VECTO
Bharat VECTO is India’s version of the internationally used Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO). Instead of only testing trucks on roads, the software estimates fuel consumption using vehicle data such as engine performance, weight, aerodynamics, tyres, and driving conditions.
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This system will help manufacturers design more fuel-efficient trucks while giving the government a reliable way to check compliance with fuel efficiency standards.
Bharat VECTO: India aims to improve truck fuel efficiency by 30%
Under the proposed rules, truck manufacturers will be expected to improve the fuel efficiency of new heavy-duty trucks by around 30% over the coming years. The government believes the new standards will:
- Reduce diesel consumption.
- Lower transport and logistics costs.
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improve India’s energy security.
- Support India’s climate goals.
The transport sector is one of India’s biggest fuel consumers, making heavy trucks an important focus for improving efficiency.
Why This New Norm is Important
Road freight carries most of India’s goods, and heavy trucks consume a large amount of diesel every year. Better fuel-efficient trucks can help transport companies save money while reducing pollution. Lower fuel use also means fewer carbon emissions, helping India move towards cleaner transportation.
Bharat VECTO: Based on global best practices
Bharat VECTO has been developed by studying international fuel-efficiency models and adapting them for Indian roads, driving conditions, and vehicle types.
The government expects the tool to create a transparent and scientific system for measuring truck performance across different manufacturers.
Existing fuel efficiency rules
India already has fuel efficiency standards for heavy commercial vehicles. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has been implementing these norms in phases since 2020, and Bharat VECTO will strengthen future regulations by using advanced simulation-based testing.
