The Electric Bus Outlook Has Changed

The Covid-19 situation has changed the electric bus outlook.

- Deepti Thore

As the principal mode of commuting the world over, buses have proven their utility value despite the advent of newer, seemingly better and more efficient travel mediums like metro and monorail. As part of its evolution cycle, buses have been incorporating new technologies to make them efficient and in-tune with the requirements of the travellers. The Covid-19 situation has however triggered a set of changes that could influence the evolution of buses such that the process of electrification would either accelerate or decelerate. In India, the rules of the game are set to change as more and more bus operators come under stress and struggle to stay afloat.

Catering to almost 90 percent of the public transport requirement in the country as a cheaper and convenient medium, buses are set to undergo a big change. They are set to undergo a big change that would affect its short, medium and long term prospects. With global bus majors like Volvo Bus Corporation deciding to merge its successful bus business with its JV partner, Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles, the bus scene in India is set for a drastic change. A change that would perhaps have the biggest effect on electrification. With the transition of aging diesel fleets to electric ones with encouragement from the government through schemes like FAME II, the scenario post-Covid-19 is looking to be quite different. Though stress would continue to be on a move to sustainable transportation, the electric buses offer one of the most compelling solutions which is expected to be scrutinised more thoroughly.