Indian long distance operator LeafyBus orders 100 electric intercity sleeper buses from Eicher (Volvo)

Indian long-distance bus operator LeafyBus has signed an agreement with Eicher Trucks & Buses for the deployment of 100 electric intercity sleeper buses on national routes in India.

The programme is centred on the Skyline Pro E 13.5-metre electric sleeper coach and foresees a phased rollout, with 35 vehicles scheduled to enter service by March 2026, according to India Times. The buses will be, as mentioned, supplied by Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., the Volvo Group–Eicher Motors joint venture, that by the way attended PRAWAAS 4.0 2024 in Bangalore. 

LeafyBus is an Indian long-distance bus operator dedicated to battery-electric intercity services, operating scheduled overnight and long-haul routes with sleeper coaches. The company currently allegedly runs daily electric services on the Delhi–Dehradun corridor and is expanding its network through progressive fleet additions supported by dedicated charging infrastructure.

LeafyBus to deploy sleeper electric coaches

The first vehicles will be introduced on high-demand intercity corridors already served by LeafyBus, with further routes to follow as additional buses are delivered. India Times reports that LeafyBus and Eicher teams are jointly engaged in route planning, charging infrastructure design and operational support activities linked to the rollout.

The Skyline Pro E electric sleeper bus features a 36+D configuration with upper and lower berths. The vehicle is powered by a 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 235 kW permanent magnet motor, and is equipped with front and rear air suspension and advanced braking systems for intercity operation. The project represents Volvo Group’s entry into India’s electric intercity bus segment through VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd.

LeafyBus has secured USD 4.1 million in funding from Enetra India Pvt. Ltd., allocated to fleet expansion, charging infrastructure development and new route launches, as reported again on India Times.

Rohan Dewan, Co-Founder of LeafyBus, is quoted as saying on the partnership: “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.”