Introduction
Factories across India are rapidly shifting toward electric mini trucks for in-plant material movement, internal logistics, and warehouse operations. Rising diesel costs, emission norms, indoor pollution concerns, and maintenance issues are pushing manufacturers to explore electric commercial vehicles for factory use.
However, choosing the right electric mini truck for factory or in-plant operations is very different from selecting a last-mile delivery EV.
This guide provides a practical, industry-focused comparison of the best electric mini trucks in India for factory, warehouse, and industrial operations in 2025.
Why Electric Mini Trucks Are Ideal for Factory & In-Plant Use
Electric mini trucks offer unique advantages inside industrial premises:
- ✅ Zero tailpipe emissions (safe for indoor use)
- ✅ Lower operating cost per km
- ✅ Quiet operation (low noise factories)
- ✅ Easy charging during non-working hours
- ✅ Minimal vibration (protects goods & machinery)
Common use cases include:
- Raw material movement
- Finished goods transfer
- Warehouse loading & unloading
- Tool and component movement
- Closed-campus logistics
Key Factors to Consider Before Buying an EV for Factory Operations
Before selecting an electric truck for in-plant use, evaluate these critical parameters:
✅ 1. Payload Suitability
Factory operations usually require consistent loads, not overloading. Choose payload based on:
- Daily material weight
- Pallet or crate movement
- Frequency of trips
✅ 2. Real-World Range (Not Certified Range)
Since in-plant operations involve:
- Frequent stops
- Short distances
- High torque start-stop usage
Real-world range matters more than brochure numbers.
✅ 3. Charging Infrastructure Compatibility
- AC charging is usually sufficient
- Overnight charging reduces downtime
- Indoor charging safety is critical
✅ 4. Vehicle Dimensions & Turning Radius
Factories have:
- Narrow aisles
- Sharp turns
- Dock areas
Compact footprint improves productivity.
Best Electric Mini Trucks for Factory & In-Plant Operations (India – 2025)
🔹 1. Tata Ace EV
Best for: Large factories & structured plants
- Payload: ~1,000 kg
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Real-world range: ~120 km
- Charging: AC depot charging
Pros:
- Strong after-sales support
- Proven platform
- Good resale confidence
Consider if:
You want reliability and corporate-grade service coverage.
🔹 2. Euler HiLoad EV
Best for: In-plant logistics & industrial campuses
- Payload: ~700–750 kg
- Battery options available
- Real-world range: ~90–120 km
Pros:
- Strong motor torque
- Designed for frequent short trips
- Good for closed-campus operations
Consider if:
Your operation involves repeated starts, stops, and short routes.
🔹 3. Mahindra Zor Grand
Best for: Medium-duty internal transport
- Payload: ~500–550 kg
- Compact body
- Good maneuverability
Pros:
- Suitable for narrow factory lanes
- Low charging requirement
Consider if:
Payload needs are moderate and space is constrained.
🔹 4. Piaggio / Montra / Other Emerging OEM EVs
Best for: Custom industrial use cases
Some OEMs offer:
- Custom bodies
- Enclosed cargo
- Specialized industrial fittings
Consider if:
Your factory needs custom-built EV solutions.
Comparison Table: EV Mini Trucks for In-Plant Operations
| Model | Payload | Real-World Range | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Ace EV | ~1000 kg | ~120 km | Large factories |
| Euler HiLoad | ~700 kg | 90–120 km | Industrial campuses |
| Mahindra Zor Grand | ~500 kg | ~80 km | Narrow in-plant routes |
| Custom EVs | Variable | Variable | Specialized use |
Charging Setup for Factories: What You Need to Know
Most factories do not need DC fast chargers.
✅ Recommended Setup:
- Single-phase or 3-phase AC charger
- Charging time: 5–7 hours
- Charging during night shifts or downtime
✅ Electricity Load:
- Typically 7–15 kW per charger
- Easy integration with existing factory load
Electric vs Diesel Mini Truck for Factory Use (Cost Insight)
Annual Cost Comparison (Indicative):
| Cost Head | Diesel Mini Truck | Electric Mini Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel / Energy | High | 60–70% lower |
| Maintenance | High | Very low |
| Noise / Emissions | High | Zero |
| Indoor Safety | Poor | Excellent |
✅ Most factories recover EV cost within 2.5–4 years, depending on usage.
Which Industries Benefit Most from In-Plant EV Trucks?
Electric mini trucks are particularly effective in:
- FMCG manufacturing
- Pharma plants
- Auto & auto-ancillary units
- Warehouses & distribution centers
- Steel & engineering factories
- Food processing plants
Common Mistakes Factories Make When Choosing EV Trucks
❌ Selecting EV based only on certified range
❌ Ignoring charging layout planning
❌ Overbuying payload capacity
❌ Not evaluating real usage cycles
Avoiding these mistakes improves ROI significantly.
Final Recommendation
For factory and in-plant operations, electric mini trucks are no longer an experiment — they are a cost-effective, operationally superior solution.
The key is selecting the right model based on actual industrial usage, not marketing claims.
📌 Need Help Selecting the Right EV for Your Factory?
If you are planning to deploy electric mini trucks for factory, warehouse, or industrial logistics, you can:
👉 Share your requirement (load, distance, charging availability)
We’ll help you shortlist the right electric truck and guide you on charging setup.
FAQs – Electric Mini Trucks for Factory Operations
Q1. Are electric mini trucks safe for indoor factory use?
Yes. They produce zero emissions and minimal noise, making them ideal for indoor use.
Q2. How many EV trucks can be charged in a factory at once?
Depends on available electrical load, but multiple AC chargers can run simultaneously with proper planning.
Q3. What is the typical lifespan of an EV truck battery for industrial use?
Most lithium-ion batteries last 6–8 years depending on usage cycles.
