Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), has entered the long-distance electric mobility space through a partnership with LeafyBus, an operator focused on electric intercity travel. The collaboration marks the introduction of Eicher’s 13.5-metre electric sleeper buses on major national highways. In the first phase, 35 buses will be deployed across high-traffic routes in northern India, including corridors such as Delhi–Dehradun and Delhi–Lucknow. The rollout supports LeafyBus’ plans to expand services on routes with strong demand for overnight and long-haul travel.
Suresh Chettiar, Executive Vice President, Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles, said the partnership demonstrates Eicher’s commitment to extending electric mobility beyond city limits. He noted that bringing electric buses into the intercity segment will help reduce emissions in densely travelled and environmentally sensitive regions, while also offering quieter, smoother journeys for passengers and improved operating economics for fleet owners. The initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s objective of lowering emissions from public transport as part of the country’s long-term net-zero roadmap.
Rohan Dewan, Co-Founder of LeafyBus, said long-distance travel in India is reaching a point where dependence on diesel must give way to cleaner alternatives. He added that the collaboration with Eicher enables LeafyBus to scale electric sleeper services on routes where travellers expect comfort, dependability and affordability. According to him, meaningful progress in electric mobility comes when services are reliable, commercially sustainable and accessible at scale. With new buses and an expanding charging network, the company aims to build a nationwide electric intercity ecosystem.
Built specifically for long-haul operations, the 13.5-metre electric sleeper bus is designed to balance range, comfort and operational efficiency. It features a 36+D sleeper configuration with a 2×1 upper and lower berth layout suited for overnight travel. The bus is powered by a 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery paired with a 235 kW permanent magnet motor, offering a range of approximately 320–330 kilometres per charge.
Fast-charging capability allows the battery to be replenished in around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on charging power, helping improve fleet utilisation. The vehicle is equipped with front and rear air suspension, disc brakes and energy-efficient systems. Passenger amenities include six cubic metres of luggage space, USB charging points and a dedicated front berth designed for senior citizens and passengers with special needs.
Additional safety and driver-assistance features include onboard cameras, advanced telematics and hill-assist functionality to support operation across varied terrain. The buses are being leased through Enetra EV Private Limited, which focuses on developing scalable and sustainable financing models for electric commercial vehicles.
Neeraj Gupta, Managing Director, Enetra EV, said the transition to electric long-distance transport depends on strong operators, reliable manufacturers and financing structures that enable growth. He added that the partnership helps lay the groundwork for a commercially viable, low-emission intercity transport network.
LeafyBus currently runs daily electric services on the Delhi–Dehradun route and plans rapid expansion. With USD 4.1 million in funding from Enetra India Pvt Ltd allocated toward fleet growth, charging infrastructure and route development, the company intends to launch at least one new electric intercity corridor every month.
VE Commercial Vehicles Limited is a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited. The company offers a wide portfolio of Eicher-branded trucks and buses and serves as the exclusive distributor of Volvo Trucks in India. Known for playing a key role in modernizing the country’s commercial transportation sector, VECV focuses on delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.
LeafyBus is India’s first 13.5-meter and only long-distance electric intercity sleeper bus operator, dedicated to creating a clean, safe, and dependable intercity travel network. The company operates fully electric buses on high-demand routes and continues to expand through the development of charging infrastructure and the addition of new fleet deployments. With ongoing investments, strategic partnerships, and route expansion, LeafyBus is working to lead the shift toward sustainable intercity transportation in India.
Enetra EV Private Limited is a leading leasing company specializing in electric buses and trucks, supporting the transition to clean mobility in the medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle segments. Through long-term, sustainable collaborations with fleet operators and OEMs, Enetra aims to accelerate India’s move toward zero-emission transportation.
