Eicher Trucks & Buses has rolled out its first 13.5-metre electric intercity sleeper bus, marking its entry into the long-distance electric passenger transport segment. The delivery has been made under a partnership with LeafyBus, a long-distance electric bus operator, as part of efforts to expand electric mobility across intercity travel corridors in India.
As part of the initial deployment, 35 electric sleeper buses will be introduced on high-traffic intercity routes in northern India. These include key corridors such as Delhi–Dehradun and Delhi–Lucknow, which see significant overnight passenger movement. The rollout aligns with LeafyBus’ plan to build a scalable electric network for intercity travel.
Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President, Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to extending electric mobility beyond urban transport into longer-haul applications. He stated that the electric intercity sleeper bus offers a combination of reduced environmental impact, quieter operations, and improved efficiency for operators, while supporting national objectives to reduce emissions from public transportation.
Rohan Dewan, Co-Founder of LeafyBus, said India’s intercity travel ecosystem is ready for a transition away from conventional diesel-powered buses. He noted that the collaboration with Eicher Trucks & Buses enables the company to offer electric sleeper services that meet passenger expectations for comfort and reliability while maintaining operational viability. He added that the focus is on building a dependable electric travel experience rather than limited pilot deployments.
Developed specifically for intercity and overnight operations, the 13.5-metre electric sleeper bus features a 36+D sleeper configuration with a 2×1 upper and lower berth layout. The vehicle is equipped with a 400 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery and a 235 kW permanent magnet motor, providing a single-charge driving range of around 320 to 330 kilometres, making it suitable for extended highway routes.
Fast-charging capability allows the bus to recharge within approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the charging infrastructure, supporting higher daily utilisation. The vehicle is fitted with front and rear air suspension, disc brakes, and energy-efficient systems to enhance ride quality and operational safety. Passenger-focused features include ample luggage capacity, USB charging points, and an accessible front berth for senior citizens and passengers with reduced mobility.
Additional safety and digital systems include onboard camera monitoring, advanced telematics, and hill-assist functionality to support safe driving across varied terrain and gradients.
The buses are being leased through Enetra EV Private Limited, which is providing a structured leasing solution designed to support the commercial adoption of electric buses in long-distance operations.
Neeraj Gupta, Managing Director, Enetra EV, said scaling electric mobility for intercity travel requires collaboration between OEMs, operators, and financial partners. He added that the leasing platform is intended to enable sustainable growth while supporting the transition to cleaner transport solutions.
LeafyBus currently operates electric intercity services on the Delhi–Dehradun route and is expanding its presence across additional corridors. The company has secured USD 4.1 million in funding from Enetra India Pvt. Ltd., which is being utilised for fleet expansion, charging infrastructure rollout, and the launch of new routes. The operator plans to add at least one new electric intercity corridor every month as part of its national expansion strategy.