Know Everything about Electric Buses in India

Why Electric Buses are the New Buzz in the Town?

The Indian EV industry has gained popularity and achieved new heights of success after the introduction of several electric vehicles in every segment and people have also started accepting them. From electric scooters to electric buses and electric rickshaws, automobile companies have launched all kinds of electric vehicles in India.

The Indian electric buses will soon grow and grab the attention of daily travellers as the central government is putting all its efforts to launch them on roads to be used as public transport. As per the recent statement of Mr. Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport & Highways of India, soon, the price of electric vehicles will be equal to the price of any petrol-diesel engine vehicles.

Key Features of Indian Electric Bus Market

Public transportation and pollution are of the most crucial problems in India. To solve this, automobile manufacturers of India are launching electric-powered buses for a sustainable future. These buses are zero emission buses and are expected to play a major role in Indian EV revolution.

Some of the features of the Indian transportation system after the introduction of the electric bus are the following-

• Nickel–metallic hydride (NMC) batteries are gaining huge popularity because they are a renewable source of energy and promote a greener environment.
• The Government of India is working effortlessly to expand the market with e-buses.
• The Northern states are showing interest in buying electric buses. However, the Southern states have already witnessed the increasing power of e-vehicles.
• Indian auto manufacturers are launching e-buses with longer running hours and high-powered engines.

Current Market Trend of Electric Buses in India

As per the JBM Auto’s Fiscal Year 20 Annual Report, India's bus utilisation rate is less than 2 buses per 1000 individuals, and it is believed to boom in the coming years.

During National E-Mobility Mission 2011, the plan for the fastest introduction and production (commonly known as FAME I) was launched aiming at the growth of affordable, reliable, and efficient electric vehicles.

In the year 2019, the authorities launched Phase II under which Rs. 10 crore was financed for the next three years to grow this electric vehicle sector.

According to the research, if 4 out of 10 buses sold are electric buses, our nation will emerge as the second-largest e-bus market globally by 2030.

Moreover, CESL, i.e. Convergence Energy Services (CESL) has also accelerated the deployment of 50,000 electric buses across the country by the year 2030.

Best 5 Electric Bus Manufacturers of India

Since the pace of e-buses in India is taking its due course, a number of manufacturers have started manufacturing fully featured and eco-friendly electric buses in India.

Below is the list of top 5 electric bus manufacturers in India with their successful models-

1. Ashoka Leyland Limited

   Ashoka Leyland is an Indian multinational automobile manufacturer and has become popular for its famous electric-power buses. This automobile company was launched in 1948 with the name Ashoka Motors, and later they renamed it, Ashoka Leyland, in 1955.

   In the year 2016, they launched their first electric-powered bus giving tough competition to many international automakers.

   Specifications of Ashoka Versa EV Electric Bus

   Seating- 44 + Driver Seat

   Engine Type- Magtec P144 zero-emission electric engine

   Maximum Torque- (NM@RPM)- 600@500

   Maximum Output- (HP@RPM)- 200@500

   Moreover, Switch Mobility, an Ashok-Leyland owned subsidiary company, has also launched the EiV 12 electric bus in two variants in India.

2. Tata Motors Limited

   Tata Motors is a leading global automobile manufacturer founded by Mr. Ratan Tata in 1945. The current value of Tata is around $35 billion, and they have expertise in designing cars, buses, SUVs, trucks, and military vehicles.

   Tata Motors has launched its first 35-seater Tata Starbus electric AC bus in India.

   Specifications of Tata Starbus EV 4/12 AC

   Seating- 35 + Driver Seat

   Maximum Power- 328 HP

   Maximum Speed- 75kmph

3. Deccan Auto Limited

   Deccan Auto Limited is India's first Telangana-based automaker that manufactures buses, trucks, electric buses, and other commercial vehicles. The company is located in Hyderabad and produces 3000 buses a year.

   Deccan Auto Limited launched its SKYPARK Electric Bus which gained huge popularity.

   Specifications of Deccan Auto SKYPARK Electric Bus

   Seating- 36 + Driver Seat

   GVW (KG)- 16200

   Length(Meter)- 12

4. JBM Motors Limited

   JBM Motors Limited is one of the top electric vehicle manufacturers in India. Their electric buses are designed with new technology that aims at delivering convenience, high quality, and excellent safety features. Their JBM Ecolife Electric Bus model is running successfully because of its utility and performance to reduce pollution.

   Specifications of JBM Ecolife Electric Bus

   Seating- 42 + Driver Seat

   Battery Type- Advance lithium-ion liquid-cooled battery type

   Length (Meter)- 12

5. Eicher Motor Limited

   Eicher Motors is the flagship automobile firm of the Eicher Group and is a leader in the Indian automotive industry. They manufacture all types of commercial vehicles, including e-buses. They launched their first electric bus named Skyline Pro which is popular in the Indian market.

   Specifications of Eicher Skyline Pro

   Seating- 25-60 seats, including driver's seat

   Maximum Torque- (NM@RPM)- 400@1400-1600

   Maximum Power- (BPH@RPM)- 90@2600

Importance of Insuring Your Electric Buses

The Indian EV sector is booming with the rise of electric buses on the roads. With the latest models, features, and technology they are attracting many potential buyers. Also, the government is working restlessly to increase its production at a mass level.

As per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, it is mandated for all commercial vehicle owners to have at least third-party commercial vehicle insurance online. Thus, not having a valid bus insurance policy can land you into trouble.

An electric bus is a prized possession that needs to be protected from several risks. As an electric bus owner, you can buy a comprehensive bus insurance policy that gives you cover in case of an accident, damages to the bus due to natural calamities or man-made disasters, theft, total loss, fire, and third-party liabilities.

Many commercial vehicle insurance companies are offering customised plans as per your budget. To know bus insurance price, you can do a bit of research, and find appropriate electric bus insurance plans that suit your need on the official website of Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited. Thus, with a passenger carrying vehicle insurance policy for your electric bus, you can financially and legally protect your electric vehicle from unforeseen damages in India

Electric Buses: The Future of EV Revolution in India

The future of electric buses or any electric vehicle in India will witness a boom. In case you are planning to buy an electric bus, this article will help you. Also, you must adopt a technology that is constantly working towards the betterment of the environment. Along with this, you must make sure that you own a valid commercial vehicle insurance policy for your electric bus.