Eicher Trucks & Buses, a unit of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), has delivered its first 13.5-metre electric intercity sleeper bus, marking the company’s entry into long-distance electric passenger transport. The bus will operate under LeafyBus’ FirstBus service, with a total of 35 units scheduled for deployment across North India by March 2026.
Planned routes include Delhi–Dehradun and Delhi–Lucknow, along with other high-demand intercity corridors.
Suresh Chettiar, EVP of the Bus Division at VECV, said the move extends electric mobility into intercity travel and promotes cleaner, more efficient passenger transportation on busy routes, particularly in environmentally sensitive regions.
The bus features a 36+D sleeper layout with 2×1 upper and lower berths, designed for long-distance comfort and safety. It is powered by a 400 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery and a 235 kW permanent magnet motor, offering a range of 320–330 km per charge. Fast charging takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on power input.
Safety and ride quality are enhanced with full air suspension, disc brakes, hill assist, onboard cameras, and advanced telematics. Passenger amenities include 6 cubic metres of luggage space, USB charging ports, and a front berth reserved for senior citizens and differently-abled travelers.
The buses are being leased through Enetra EV Private Limited, which provides financing solutions for electric commercial vehicles. Rohan Dewan, Co-Founder of LeafyBus, said the collaboration allows the company to scale electric intercity services while maintaining comfort, reliability, and affordability.
LeafyBus already runs daily electric services on the Delhi–Dehradun route and plans to expand nationwide. The company recently secured $4.1 million from Enetra India Pvt. Ltd. to support fleet expansion, charging infrastructure, and new route development.
VE Commercial Vehicles Limited, a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited, manufactures Eicher-branded trucks and buses and serves as the exclusive distributor of Volvo Trucks in India. Enetra EV Private Limited focuses on leasing electric buses and trucks, partnering with fleet operators and manufacturers to accelerate zero-emission transport.
