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FlixBus, a global intercity bus operator, has announced an ambitious plant to scale up its electric intercity bus service. It has signed an agreement with Vertelo, an electric vehicle ecosystem provider, to deploy 500 electric intercity buses across India.Â
The FlixBus-Vertelo partnership is a notable development in India’s intercity bus market, aiming to integrate electric buses into a competitive and evolving industry. However, scaling up to 500 buses will require overcoming hurdles like battery supply chains and workforce training for EV maintenance.
The agreement outlines a joint effort to integrate electric coaches into FlixBus’s network, with Vertelo providing financing, leasing, and charging infrastructure support. This move reflects a broader push toward sustainable transport in India, aligning with national goals to reduce emissions.
FlixBus operates in over 200 Indian cities, offering intercity bus services through a digital booking platform. Its fleet includes modern coaches equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi and focuses on safety standards.Â
The company seeks to expand its network while transitioning to greener operations, with the Vertelo partnership marking a step toward electrifying its services. FlixBus aims to optimize routes and maintain affordability, targeting a wide range of passengers from urban professionals to rural travelers.
India’s Intercity Bus Market
India’s intercity bus sector has transformed significantly over the years. State-run transport corporations once dominated, operating large diesel-powered fleets that connected cities and towns. Starting in the early 2000s, private operators began to challenge this monopoly, spurred by economic reforms and growing demand for better services.Â
Companies like RedBus, VRL Travels, and SRS Travels introduced air-conditioned buses, online ticketing, and varied fare options. By 2025, private operators hold about 60% of the market, with hundreds of firms, from small regional players to national brands, competing for passengers. This shift has modernized the industry, prioritizing passenger convenience and technology.
Shift to Electric
The introduction of electric buses marks the latest development in India’s intercity travel sector. With air pollution and climate concerns rising, electric vehicles are gaining attention as a cleaner alternative.Â
The FlixBus-Vertelo initiative is one of several efforts to bring EVs to long-distance routes. Vertelo’s contribution includes financing to offset the high cost of electric buses, which can be 2-3 times more expensive than diesel models, and building charging infrastructure. It also works with manufacturers to develop buses suited for India’s roads.
Intercity electric buses face distinct challenges. Unlike urban buses with shorter routes, intercity coaches travel long distances, often 300-600 kilometers, through areas with limited infrastructure.Â
Current electric bus batteries typically offer a 200-300 kilometer range, which can be strained by factors like air conditioning or heavy loads. Charging stations are sparse on rural highways, and fast-charging units, which take 30-60 minutes, require stable power grids—a challenge in some regions. Smaller operators, in particular, struggle with the financial risks of adopting EVs.
Efforts to address these issues are underway. Battery technology is improving, with ranges expected to reach 400-500 kilometers in the coming years. Government programs, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, provide subsidies to lower costs.Â
FlixBus is focusing on high-demand routes, like Delhi-Jaipur or Mumbai-Pune, to prioritize charging infrastructure development. Vertelo’s plans for solar-powered charging stations aim to improve reliability. These steps are part of a broader effort to create a viable EV ecosystem for intercity travel.
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