Battery performance and energy efficiency are central to making electric intercity operations viable. One of the key strengths of this platform is its advanced battery management system, which is designed to handle sustained power demand rather than short, stop-start cycles typical of city buses. The system continuously monitors and adapts to variables such as vehicle load, terrain, cruising speed, and auxiliary power consumption, says Rohan Dewan, Co-Founder, LeafyBus in an interview with Evolution Auto India
Q: LeafyBus recently collaborated with Eicher Trucks & Buses to deploy 100 Skyline Pro E13.5m Electric Intercity Sleeper Buses. What made you choose this bus specifically?
When we evaluated electric bus platforms for long-distance operations, our starting point was very clear, intercity mobility has requirements that are fundamentally different from urban transport. Sleeper buses operate for extended hours, at higher average speeds, and with continuous energy demand. We were therefore looking for a vehicle that was engineered for highway use rather than adapted from a city bus architecture.
The Skyline Pro E13.5m stood out because it demonstrated a strong balance between range capability, structural robustness, and passenger comfort—three factors that are critical for overnight and long-haul travel. Its chassis and suspension design provide stability at highway speeds, while the platform supports sleeper configurations without compromising performance or safety. From an operational standpoint, the vehicle also aligned well with our expectations around reliability, durability, and consistency across long routes, which are essential when scaling electric intercity operations.
Q: What innovations in battery management or energy efficiency set this model apart from other electric buses?
Battery performance and energy efficiency are central to making electric intercity operations viable. One of the key strengths of this platform is its advanced battery management system, which is designed to handle sustained power demand rather than short, stop-start cycles typical of city buses. The system continuously monitors and adapts to variables such as vehicle load, terrain, cruising speed, and auxiliary power consumption.
Thermal management is another critical differentiator. Long-distance buses operate for several continuous hours, and maintaining optimal battery temperature directly impacts efficiency, safety, and battery life. The thermal control system ensures stable performance across different climatic conditions and extended duty cycles. These efficiencies help deliver predictable range outcomes, reduce battery degradation over time, and improve overall operating economics factors that are particularly important for commercial fleet operators.
Q: Intercity sleeper buses have different demands compared to city buses. As a long-distance electric bus operator, what challenges do you face and how do you address them?
One of the biggest challenges in intercity electric operations is variability. Unlike city routes, intercity corridors differ significantly in terrain, elevation, traffic patterns, and weather conditions, all of which influence energy consumption. Managing this variability while ensuring service reliability requires a data-driven approach.
Before deploying vehicles, we conduct detailed route-level assessments that include elevation profiles, distance, halt points, and expected energy demand. This helps us align vehicle configurations and operational strategies with specific corridors rather than using a uniform deployment model. Another key challenge is driving behaviour. In electric vehicles, driving style has a direct impact on range and efficiency. Focused driver training programmes centred on smooth acceleration, regenerative braking, and speed discipline play an important role in maintaining consistent performance across routes.
Q: Charging infrastructure is often seen as the biggest hurdle—how is LeafyBus planning charging along intercity routes?
Charging strategy is one of the most critical elements of intercity electric mobility, and it cannot rely solely on public charging infrastructure. For long-distance operations, the emphasis has to be on planned, corridor-based charging ecosystems that align with operational realities.
Our approach combines depot-based charging with strategically located en-route charging points along high-traffic corridors. Charging is planned around natural operational downtime such as layovers or scheduled rest stops, ensuring minimal impact on travel time and schedules. Fast-charging capabilities are integrated to support quicker turnarounds without compromising route efficiency. As highway charging infrastructure continues to expand in India, this model will become increasingly seamless, but early deployments require careful planning and close coordination with infrastructure partners.
Q: Are government incentives or policy support playing a role in making this deployment viable? What are your views on the recently announced budget?
Policy support and government incentives play an important role in accelerating electric bus adoption, especially in segments like intercity transport where initial capital costs are higher. These incentives help narrow the cost gap between electric and conventional buses, making large-scale deployments commercially viable during the early stages of adoption.
The recently announced budget reflects a growing recognition of electric mobility as a long-term national priority. While city transport has traditionally been the focus, there is now a gradual shift towards supporting broader applications, including long-distance passenger transport. Continued support for electric buses, charging infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing will be crucial. Equally important is policy consistency, as long-term investments in electric mobility depend heavily on regulatory clarity and stability.
Q: Where do you see India’s EV industry in the next decade?
Over the next decade, India’s EV industry is expected to move from early adoption to widespread integration across multiple segments. While two-wheelers and urban public transport have led the transition so far, the next phase of growth will be driven by commercial vehicles, logistics, and intercity passenger transport.
Advancements in battery chemistry, energy density, and charging speeds will significantly expand the range of viable electric applications. At the same time, cost parity with internal combustion engine vehicles will improve as economies of scale grow and domestic supply chains mature. Software-driven solutions such as predictive maintenance, energy analytics, and intelligent fleet management will become central to improving operational efficiency. The industry will increasingly evolve towards integrated mobility solutions rather than focusing on vehicles alone.
Q: What inspired you to enter the EV segment? How has your journey been and what is your roadmap?
The motivation to enter the EV segment came from a belief that meaningful sustainability impact cannot be limited to urban transport alone. Long-distance and intercity travel contribute significantly to emissions, and transitioning this segment to electric mobility is essential for a holistic shift towards cleaner transportation.
The journey has involved navigating technological uncertainties, infrastructure limitations, and an evolving policy environment. However, these challenges have also offered valuable learning opportunities and reinforced the importance of collaboration across the ecosystem. Looking ahead, the roadmap focuses on scaling operations responsibly, strengthening partnerships, and continuously refining deployment strategies based on real-world insights. The objective is to demonstrate that electric intercity travel can be reliable, efficient, and commercially viable at scale, contributing meaningfully to India’s broader electric mobility transition.