Electric bus Shares expected to double in 2024-25

Mumbai: Despite risks related to supply delays and shortage of charging stations, the share of electric buses (e-buses) in total bus sales will double to eight percent in the next financial year 2024-25. Crisil Ratings said in a report on Monday that this is expected to happen due to supportive policy measures and favorable ownership costs. The report said that due to an emphasis on public transport as well as a reduction in carbon emissions, the share of e-buses in total bus sales will increase.

The share of e-buses in new sales will increase to eight percent in the next financial year from about four percent in the current financial year. Concerted efforts are underway to use e-buses under the FAME scheme and the National Electric Bus Program (NEBP), launched for faster adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles. The report said that the trend towards e-buses is increasing due to low operating costs and low initial acquisition costs. Sushant Sarode, a director at the agency, said the rise in e-buses is also because their ownership cost is 15-20 percent lower than petrol/diesel or CNG buses over an expected lifespan of 15 years. Also, read this.