Tata Motors, which recently unveiled its 7-meter Ultra EV electric bus at the Prawaas 4.0 event in Bengaluru, is positioning the vehicle as an ideal solution for smaller companies entering the clean mobility sector, particularly for employee transportation. The Ultra EV 7M is also aimed at urban mass transit and last-mile passenger services.
Prawaas 4.0, a biennial gathering for bus and car operators, served as the launch platform for the new bus. Anand S., Vice President and Head of Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business at Tata Motors, emphasized the bus’s role as an entry point for companies venturing into electric vehicles. “This model has the potential to create a new market segment, particularly in urban mass and last-mile connectivity,” Anand noted.
The Ultra EV 7M is equipped with a 213 kW electric motor and a 200 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of up to 160 kilometers on a single charge. The bus features fast-charging capabilities, allowing a full recharge in just 2.5 hours, making it a practical option for daily corporate and urban transport.
Safety remains a priority, with the bus featuring an electronic braking system, electronic stability control, and an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that includes Automatic Passenger Counting. Its regenerative braking technology further enhances efficiency, extending its operational range.
Tata Motors has been a dominant player in India’s electric bus market, having supplied around 2,900 buses under various government contracts, primarily in the 9-meter and 12-meter segments. The introduction of the 7-meter Ultra EV is expected to broaden Tata’s reach, particularly among smaller, cost-conscious operators looking for entry-level electric vehicle options.
The launch of the Ultra EV 7M comes at a time when India’s bus industry is experiencing a revival after being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The commercial passenger vehicle segment, which saw an 85% decline during the peak of the pandemic, has since bounced back, recording a 39% growth in the first quarter of FY25 compared to the same period last year. This resurgence is driven by strong demand from state transport undertakings (STUs), corporate staff transport, and the travel industry.
“This growth momentum is encouraging,” said Anand. “We anticipate continued expansion in the coming months.” He noted that state transport corporations are increasingly issuing new tenders, while corporate fleets are being modernized with a focus on sustainable employee transport solutions.
Government initiatives, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) initiative, are also playing a crucial role in promoting the adoption of electric buses across the country.
As cities increasingly seek cleaner fuel options to combat pollution and congestion, the demand for electric buses like Tata’s Ultra EV 7M is expected to grow. The vehicle’s versatility makes it suitable for both corporate fleets and urban transport networks.
While challenges remain for India’s bus industry, the sector is gearing up for a transformative period, supported by strong policies and a growing demand for cleaner, more efficient transportation options. Tata Motors, with its Ultra EV 7M, is poised to fill crucial gaps in the market, driving the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions across the country.
