In a significant push toward sustainable transportation, LeafyBus, a New Delhi-based electric bus operator, has partnered with Accelerated Money For U (AMU) to launch its first fleet of 10 electric buses for inter-city routes. These buses, financed by AMU, will initially serve the busy Delhi-Dehradun corridor, marking a key milestone in India’s journey toward green mobility.
This collaboration highlights the increasing momentum in India’s EV sector, driven by private and public initiatives to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and urban air pollution.
The launch of LeafyBus’s electric fleet is timely, given the Indian government’s National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), which seeks to increase the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. Though challenges like the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure remain, the introduction of electric buses on high-demand routes such as Delhi-Dehradun is a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions from transportation.
India’s reliance on diesel-powered buses, particularly for long-distance travel, contributes heavily to urban pollution. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India’s transportation sector accounts for 12.9% of its total CO2 emissions. Adopting electric buses by operators like LeafyBus is key to achieving a cleaner transportation ecosystem.
LeafyBus and AMU aim to set an example for other operators by showcasing electric buses’ environmental and economic benefits. Deploying electric buses reduces operational costs through lower maintenance and energy consumption and delivers a quieter and smoother passenger experience than traditional diesel buses.
LeafyBus’s new fleet incorporates cutting-edge technology to prioritize passenger safety and comfort. Each bus has CCTV surveillance and real-time tracking systems, allowing operators to ensure a secure travel environment. Passengers will also benefit from a dedicated “Bus Buddy” to assist throughout their journey.
To further enhance safety, the buses feature Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which help monitor driver behavior and improve vehicle handling. These features are becoming standard in electric buses, enhancing the operational safety and comfort of long-distance travel.
Rohan Dewan, Founder and CEO of LeafyBus, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating: “Our goal at LeafyBus is to revolutionize inter-city travel across India by making electric mobility more accessible. Partnering with AMU has allowed us to take a significant step toward realizing that vision. Together, we can provide cleaner, more efficient travel solutions for passengers while helping reduce the environmental impact of long-distance travel.”
Nehal Gupta, Founder and Managing Director of AMU, echoed this sentiment: “We are thrilled to support LeafyBus in their mission to bring electric travel to high-demand routes. This initiative not only empowers LeafyBus to grow their electric fleet but also aligns with our commitment to fostering sustainable, environmentally-friendly transport solutions across India. We see this as a significant contribution to reducing emissions and promoting green mobility.”
This project is only the beginning of LeafyBus’s ambitious plans. The company has also partnered with JBM Electric Vehicles (P) Ltd., committing to procuring 200 electric buses, with 50 slated for rollout within the next year. The company’s expansion reflects the growing interest in electric buses, which offer a viable alternative to diesel-powered transport, particularly on high-traffic inter-city routes.
The wider adoption of electric buses is expected to play a critical role in helping India meet its Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) targets, designed to promote EVs by providing incentives to manufacturers and buyers alike.
India’s EV market is growing rapidly, spurred by the government’s push toward a net-zero emissions target by 2070. With transportation contributing nearly one-quarter of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, the switch to electric mobility is crucial. The government has also introduced initiatives like FAME-II, which focuses on expanding charging infrastructure and providing financial incentives for electric buses, cars, and two-wheelers.
According to a McKinsey report, India’s EV market is expected to grow by 50% annually, largely due to the demand for electric buses in metropolitan areas and inter-city routes. This demand is set to increase further as operators like LeafyBus continue to expand their fleets with government support.
