Eicher Trucks and Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has taken a significant step forward with the launch of the Eicher Pro X, its first-ever electric small commercial vehicle (SCV). This marks the company’s foray into the burgeoning SCV segment, addressing evolving market needs and sustainability goals. In an exclusive interview, Sachin Agrawal, Executive VP & Head of Product Development at VECV, sheds light on the journey of developing this groundbreaking vehicle and the innovations that set it apart.
A Strategic Move into Small Commercial Vehicles
With the transportation industry shifting towards a hub-and-spoke model and growing demand from sectors such as FMCG, e-commerce, and courier services, the SCV segment has become increasingly vital. “At Eicher, we have always remained close to our customers, understanding their requirements and evolving products that align with their needs. The Pro X was conceptualized keeping these market dynamics in mind,” says Agrawal.
Emphasizing sustainability, Eicher chose to lead with an electric-first approach, ensuring the Pro X not only meets immediate customer needs but is also future-ready. “Sustainability is crucial, and we wanted to introduce a product that aligns with this vision while addressing the operational efficiency challenges of last-mile logistics,” he explains.
Customer-Centric Design and Innovation
The development of the Eicher Pro X was deeply rooted in extensive customer research. “We engaged with over 1,000 customers and gathered more than 3,000 unique insights, including feedback from existing truck owners, logistics players, and aspiring truck drivers,” Agrawal shares. This input was meticulously analyzed using Quality Function Deployment (QFD), transforming customer expectations into technical specifications.
The Pro X is built on a modular architecture, allowing customization for diverse applications such as refrigerated transport, parcel delivery, and white goods transportation. “The platform is designed to accommodate multiple powertrain options, ensuring adaptability for various fuel types in the future,” he adds.
Unmatched Innovation: 93 Patents and Beyond
One of the most striking aspects of the Pro X is its foundation on 93 unique patents, underscoring its innovative edge. “We didn’t want to create a ‘me-too’ product. Instead, we focused on delivering industry-first features that elevate driver comfort, safety, and efficiency,” Agrawal asserts.
Among its standout features is the flat-floor cabin, which enhances driver comfort and enables easy movement within the cabin. “A driver can even lie down and rest inside the vehicle during breaks,” he highlights. The truck is also equipped with an advanced Driver State Monitoring System (DSMS), which alerts drivers to fatigue or distractions, enhancing road safety.
Additionally, Eicher has integrated a front-facing camera for collision warnings, reinforcing the vehicle’s safety framework. “We have reimagined the traditional gear lever, offering a driver-friendly control interface that ensures intuitive operation, even in an electric vehicle setup,” Agrawal explains.
Optimized for Energy Efficiency and Performance
Eicher’s legacy in fuel efficiency now extends into its electric vehicles. “When it comes to electric mobility, range anxiety is a major concern. That’s why we offer multiple battery pack options, allowing customers to choose based on their operational needs,” he states. The Pro X also boasts the lowest coefficient of drag in the Indian SCV segment, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
The vehicle features automated drive mode selection, seamlessly switching between power and eco modes for optimal energy efficiency. “With these advancements, we have achieved an energy efficiency of 93-94%, making the Pro X at least 10% more efficient than existing products in the market,” Agrawal reveals.
A key technological highlight is the E-axle configuration, which eliminates the need for components like a propeller shaft, further boosting efficiency. “By removing unnecessary mechanical interfaces, we have maximized energy utilization and improved overall performance,” he adds.
Seamless Transition to Multiple Powertrains
While the Pro X debuts as an electric vehicle, its platform is designed to accommodate diesel and CNG variants effortlessly. “Our design philosophy ensures that switching to different fuel options is straightforward. The modular architecture allows for easy replacement of the electric powertrain with a conventional engine and transmission,” Agrawal explains.
Notably, the manufacturing line at VECV’s Bhopal plant is also modular, enabling the production of vehicles with different powertrains on the same assembly line. “This future-proofs our operations for the coming years,” he adds.
Delivering Reliability, Performance, and Productivity
As Eicher prepares to showcase the Pro X at Bharat Mobility 2024, Agrawal reflects on the development journey. “It feels like delivering a baby after nine months—there’s immense excitement and pride in seeing our vision come to life. We are confident that customers will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind this product,” he says.
Eicher has also prioritized lifecycle support for customers. “The first service interval for the Pro X is at 30,000 km, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. Additionally, every vehicle comes equipped with telematic solutions and is connected to our Uptime Center, ensuring real-time monitoring and swift assistance,” he elaborates. The firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) feature allows software updates to be pushed remotely, eliminating the need for physical dealership visits.
With the Pro X, Eicher is setting new benchmarks in the SCV segment by combining innovation, efficiency, and customer-centric design. The vehicle’s unique patents, modular architecture, and intelligent features make it a compelling choice for businesses seeking reliable, high-performance, and sustainable transport solutions. As the commercial vehicle industry continues to evolve, the Eicher Pro X is poised to be a game-changer, redefining the expectations from an SCV in India’s dynamic logistics landscape.