Green Fleet Expansion
A landmark collaboration is paving the way for a substantial increase in sustainable long-distance passenger transport across India. This strategic alliance
will introduce 100 advanced electric intercity sleeper coaches onto key national highways. The initiative represents a crucial stride towards embracing cleaner transportation methods and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels for extensive travel. The deployment will commence with an initial phase of 35 buses, slated for operational readiness by March 31, 2026. This rollout is facilitated through an electric bus leasing framework, underscoring a commitment to making electric mobility accessible and practical for large-scale intercity operations. The immediate focus will be on routes experiencing high demand, such as the corridors connecting Delhi to Dehradun and Delhi to Lucknow. Plans are already in motion to expand to further routes over the subsequent 18 months, aligning with a broader vision for comprehensive nationwide electric travel connectivity.
Collaboration Unveiled
This partnership marks a significant entry into India's intercity electric bus market for a global automotive group, operating through its joint venture in the country. Their involvement signifies a strong endorsement of India's burgeoning electric vehicle sector. The teams from both LeafyBus and Eicher Trucks & Buses are actively engaged in joint planning efforts. These collaborative discussions encompass critical areas such as optimizing route networks for electric vehicles, meticulously designing the necessary charging infrastructure, developing robust solutions to ensure consistent vehicle availability and minimizing downtime, and establishing comprehensive operational support systems. The collective goal is to establish dependable and efficient intercity electric travel networks that passengers can rely on for their journeys across the country.
Sleeper Bus Innovation
The new electric sleeper bus model boasts a thoughtful design for intercity travel, featuring a 36+D configuration that includes both upper and lower berths, ensuring a comfortable overnight journey for passengers. Powering this advanced vehicle is a substantial 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, renowned for its safety and longevity. This energy source is coupled with a powerful 235 kW permanent magnet motor, providing efficient and smooth propulsion. Passenger comfort and safety are further enhanced through the inclusion of advanced features such as front and rear air suspension, which absorbs road imperfections for a smoother ride, and sophisticated braking systems for optimal stopping power. The overall design emphasizes energy efficiency, making it ideally suited for the demands of long-haul intercity operations while prioritizing a restful experience for travelers.
Driving Sustainable Mobility
The company, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), is a key player in manufacturing and marketing Eicher-branded trucks and buses, alongside distributing Volvo Trucks within India. Through this collaboration, the company reinforces its dedication to advancing sustainable mobility solutions in the country. By offering specialized electric fleet solutions, it aims to empower operators like LeafyBus to transition effectively to electric transportation. This support is crucial for scaling up electric vehicle adoption in the challenging segment of long-distance passenger transport. The company's expertise in vehicle manufacturing and its commitment to innovation position it as a vital partner in driving India's environmental goals forward through cleaner transportation alternatives.
Growth and Investment
Currently, LeafyBus is actively operating daily electric services along the Delhi-Dehradun corridor, demonstrating the viability of its electric intercity operations. The company has a clear and ambitious expansion plan, intending to introduce at least one new electric travel route each month. This consistent growth trajectory is supported by recent financial backing, with the operator securing USD 4.1 million in funding. This investment is earmarked for several critical areas: scaling up its fleet of electric buses to meet growing demand, developing and enhancing its charging infrastructure to support the expanding network, and introducing new routes to broaden its service reach. This infusion of capital signifies strong investor confidence in LeafyBus's business model and its role in shaping the future of sustainable intercity travel in India.
