All aboard: A peek at the new compact driving India’s intercity e-bus operations

“Intra-city buses are designed for city commutes, shorter routes and high passenger throughput, prioritising quick acceleration, regenerative braking efficiency and optimal energy utilisation in dense urban environments,” says Nishant Arya, chairman of JBM Electric Vehicles, which sold the highest number of electric buses (1,282) in FY26, in a written response to Mint. “In contrast, intercity buses are engineered for longer distances, higher cruising speeds and enhanced passenger comfort for longer distances. They require larger battery capacities, and aerodynamically optimised designs to maximise range and efficiency.”