Indian Blackbuck EV unveils 15-metre ELON 3X electric sleeper coach, with production planned for mid-2027

Blackbuck Electric Vehicles has unveiled the ELON 3X, a 15-metre, three-axle electric sleeper coach featuring 42 berths, battery options of up to 565 kWh and commercial production scheduled to begin in mid-2027.

The Indian manufacturer presented the vehicle on 3 November 2026, following a four-year development programme that included two years of real-world road testing. According to Blackbuck EV’s official announcement, the ELON 3X has been designed, engineered and developed entirely in-house in India, based on a purpose-built electric platform. The company claims it is India’s first 15-metre multi-axle electric sleeper coach. Reservations have already opened, while the manufacturer is engaging with prospective intercity transport operators ahead of the planned start of production.

Blackbuck EV has been developing its electric bus portfolio across urban and intercity applications. The company’s activities include the VIRO 2X nine-metre electric city bus and a 300-electric-bus project with Chalo. In the intercity segment, the manufacturer has introduced its ELON electric sleeper coach programme and presented the ELON 3X electric coach platform, followed by road trials of the vehicle. The company’s activities and positioning in the Indian bus market have also been addressed in an interview published by Sustainable Bus.

Blackbuck ELON 3X: 42 sleeper berths and up to 565 kWh battery capacity

The ELON 3X has been developed for long-distance intercity operations, with a three-axle configuration accommodating 42 sleeper berths, in addition to the driver and co-driver. The vehicle also provides more than 9 cubic metres of dedicated luggage space, according to the manufacturer.

The coach is based on Blackbuck EV’s proprietary Born-Electric Skateboard Architecture, which integrates the structural platform, electric propulsion, energy storage and electrical systems. Unlike a vehicle converted from a conventional diesel-powered chassis, the ELON 3X has been developed around an electric vehicle architecture from the outset.

Blackbuck EV states that lightweight construction has been a central element of the engineering programme, with particular attention to structural design, energy efficiency and vehicle durability.

Two battery configurations are available, with capacities of 425 kWh and 565 kWh, respectively, intended for different long-distance operating requirements. The passenger compartment has been designed around a sleeper configuration for overnight journeys, with dedicated luggage storage and an interior layout developed for long-distance travel.

Independent suspension, active tag-axle steering and ECAS for the ELON 3X

The ELON 3X features independent suspension combined with active tag-axle steering and Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS).

According to Blackbuck EV, the suspension and steering configuration has been developed with particular attention to highway stability, ride comfort and low-speed manoeuvrability, taking into account the vehicle’s 15-metre length and three-axle layout.

The standard braking and stability equipment comprises an Electronic Braking System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and disc brakes on all wheels.

The manufacturer states that the vehicle has been engineered with reference to European automotive standards and international design practices. The development programme combines in-house vehicle architecture, structural engineering and system integration with technologies and components sourced through collaborations with international automotive suppliers.

The company has confirmed mid-2027 as the target for the start of commercial production, while reservations have already opened. Blackbuck EV has not specified initial production volumes, vehicle pricing or confirmed customer delivery dates.

In brief

• What is the Blackbuck ELON 3X?
  A 15-metre, three-axle electric sleeper coach developed in India for long-distance intercity operations.
• How many passengers can the ELON 3X accommodate?
  The vehicle features 42 sleeper berths, plus driver and co-driver accommodation, and more than 9 m³ of luggage space.
• What battery capacities are available?
  Blackbuck EV offers 425 kWh and 565 kWh battery configurations. Driving range figures have not been announced.
• When will the ELON 3X enter production?
  Commercial production is targeted for mid-2027, with reservations already open.

R K Raju, Founder and CEO of Blackbuck Electric Vehicles, commented on the launch: “I founded Blackbuck EV with a belief that electric mobility gives us the freedom to rethink the bus from the ground up. Our vision is to make every journey more comfortable for passengers, every vehicle more valuable to its operator, and every unit of energy go further. We are building that future through original engineering — with the ambition to take Indian innovation to the world.”