Eicher Trucks & Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., has recently delivered its first 13.5 m electric intercity sleeper bus, marking a key milestone in India’s long-distance electric mobility segment. The first bus is being operated by LeafyBus, with plans to deploy 35 buses by March 2026 across high-demand intercity corridors in North India.

The initial deployment will cover routes such as Delhi–Dehradun and Delhi–Lucknow, supporting LeafyBus’ expansion across environmentally sensitive and high-density travel corridors.

Commenting on the partnership, Suresh Chettiar, EVP – Bus Division, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “This partnership reflects Eicher Trucks and Buses’ ongoing efforts to advance sustainable public mobility solutions. We are extending electric mobility into the intercity segment and supporting the development of cleaner, more efficient passenger transportation along high-density corridors in environmentally sensitive regions. The Eicher 13.5 m EV Sleeper Bus delivers environmental sustainability for the nation, low noise and smooth travel for passengers, and economic value for the operator. The partnership also reflects our alignment with the Government of India’s vision to decarbonise public transport – a significant contributor to India’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.”

Rohan Dewan, Co-Founder, LeafyBus, said, “India is at a turning point where long-distance mobility must transition beyond diesel, and partnerships like this will define that shift. Our collaboration with Eicher Trucks & Buses enables LeafyBus to scale electric sleeper buses on high-demand intercity corridors where passengers expect comfort, reliability and affordability together. The industry is moving toward cleaner mobility, but the real progress comes when EV travel is not experimental – it is consistent, commercially viable and widely accessible. With these new buses and our expanding charging ecosystem, we are accelerating the rollout of a national electric network that delivers a simple, comfortable and future-ready travel experience for millions.”

Designed for long-distance intercity operations, the Eicher 13.5 m electric sleeper bus features a 36+D sleeper layout with a 2×1 upper and lower berth configuration. Powered by a 400 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery and a 235 kW permanent magnet motor, the bus offers a driving range of up to 330 km on a single charge, with fast-charging capability of 1.5–2 hours.

Safety and comfort features include full air suspension, disc brakes, hill assist, on-board cameras, advanced telematics, USB charging ports, six cubic metres of luggage space, and a dedicated front berth for senior citizens and specially abled passengers.

The fleet is being leased through Enetra EV Private Limited, enabling EV-specific financing for rapid and scalable deployment.

Neeraj Gupta, Managing Director, Enetra EV, said, “The shift toward electric mobility in long-distance travel will require dependable operators, trusted OEMs, and financing models that support scale. LeafyBus has demonstrated strong execution in operations and route development, and we are proud to enable their next phase of growth with our EV leasing platform. This partnership represents a step toward a cleaner, scalable and commercially sustainable intercity travel ecosystem and we believe it sets the foundation for India’s transition to zero-emission highways.”

LeafyBus currently operates daily electric intercity services on the Delhi–Dehradun route and is expanding nationwide. With USD 4.1 million in funding from Enetra India Private Limited being deployed toward fleet expansion, charging infrastructure and new route development, the company plans to add at least one new electric intercity corridor every month.