India: LeafyBus and Eicher to deploy 100 electric sleeper buses
LeafyBus is a long-distance electric bus operator in India. The agreement with Eicher Trucks and Buses is centred on the Skyline Pro E 13.5-metre electric coach and represents a scaled move towards electrifying long-haul passenger transport, traditionally dominated by diesel vehicles.
The Skyline Pro E electric sleeper bus is configured with a 36+D layout featuring upper and lower berths designed for overnight intercity travel. The vehicle is equipped with a 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack and a 235 kW permanent magnet electric motor.
The first phase of deployment will see 35 buses commissioned by 31 March 2026. These vehicles will be introduced through an electric bus leasing model facilitated by Enetra EV Private Limited, reducing upfront capital requirements for the operator. Initial operations will focus on high-demand routes such as Delhi–Dehradun and Delhi–Lucknow, with additional corridors planned over the following 18 months as part of LeafyBus’s nationwide expansion strategy.
The collaboration also marks the formal entry of the Volvo Group into India’s intercity electric bus segment through its joint venture with Eicher Motors, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. Under the partnership, teams from LeafyBus and Eicher are jointly working on route planning, charging network design, vehicle uptime management and operational support. The objective is to ensure reliable scheduling, adequate energy availability and consistent performance for long-distance electric operations.
LeafyBus currently operates daily electric intercity services on the Delhi–Dehradun corridor and plans to introduce at least one new electric route each month. The company recently secured USD 4.1 million in funding from Enetra India Pvt. Ltd., earmarked for fleet expansion, charging infrastructure development and network growth. Eicher Trucks & Buses manufactures and markets Eicher-branded trucks and buses in India and distributes Volvo Trucks, positioning itself as a key supplier of electric mobility solutions for commercial transport operators.
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