Public transport authorities currently drive India's electric bus transition, yet they account for only 8 to 10 percent of the total bus market. Private operators manage approximately 1.6 million buses, representing 90 percent of the sector. Experts suggest school buses are the most viable segment for early electrification due to lower daily range requirements of 50 to 60 kilometers and the availability of land for charging infrastructure on school premises.
Technical advantages for electric school buses include lower gross vehicle weight compared to city buses and simpler feature requirements. However, current electric models cost nearly double that of internal combustion engine alternatives. Manufacturers like PMI Electro Mobility Solutions, which has deployed over 3,300 units, report that schools are currently unwilling to absorb the additional costs associated with the transition to electric vehicles.
Delhi has mandated that schools convert at least 30 percent of their bus fleets to electric models by 31 March 2030. Nationally, the Ministry of Heavy Industries is evaluating a scheme with an outlay of ₹98.52 billion to support 50,000 electric buses. The World Bank estimates that India could have 90,000 private electric buses by 2030, with schools accounting for 35 percent of that volume, potentially reaching 190,000 units by 2035.
