• Source:JND
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India’s transportation story is changing quickly. While electric vehicles (EVs) have already become popular in cities, a bigger shift is starting to happen on highways. People are no longer asking if EVs can manage short city rides. Now, the focus is on whether they can handle longer trips between cities.

Early signs suggest they can. Charging stations are improving, and more people want cleaner and more comfortable travel options. India looks ready to embrace electric intercity travel as the next step toward a cleaner future. Intercity buses remain one of the most-used ways to travel across India.

They are affordable and easy to access. But diesel buses often bring noise, pollution, and rising fuel costs. Today’s travelers are more aware of how their choices affect the environment. With rising fuel prices and more awareness about pollution, people are looking for cleaner and more dependable options.

This change in mindset is pushing the transport sector to think differently and focus on better, more sustainable travel solutions. Electric buses, once seen as an experiment, are now becoming a practical option. Thanks to better battery technology and improved vehicle design, operators are starting to use them on longer routes.

Passengers are also more open to trying them. The quieter ride, smoother experience, and reduced pollution make these buses attractive. More people now see electric travel as a smart choice that fits into a cleaner lifestyle. As this shift happens, one thing is clear: infrastructure must keep up.

In recent years, India has started building fast-charging stations along highways. Government and private companies are working together to support long-distance electric bus travel. Still, some challenges remain. Not every region has enough charging stations. Some areas face an unstable electricity supply.

Getting approvals for land use and making charging systems work across different vehicles also needs attention. Even so, investment is growing, and planning for better infrastructure is already in motion. As a result, the support system for electric intercity travel is getting stronger.
This is also changing the passenger experience.

Electric buses offer a quieter and smoother ride than traditional ones. This is especially helpful on long journeys, where comfort matters most. Without engine noise or vibrations, passengers can relax more easily. Clean air with zero tailpipe emissions is another benefit, especially in crowded or polluted areas. Passengers also value having more control and information.

Features like live bus tracking, digital ticket booking, and timely service updates are becoming standard. Bus operators are now using smarter tools to keep trips reliable and on time.
Policies have also helped move this shift forward. Programs like FAME II and state-level EV plans gave companies the push they needed to begin investing in electric buses.

Recently, the focus has grown to include intercity routes in these plans. This has encouraged more operators to try electric buses on longer routes. Banks and other financial institutions are also coming forward with new loan options designed for electric fleets. With better policies and more support from investors, the electric transport sector is growing steadily.

Moving electric buses to the center of long-distance travel will take teamwork. Transport operators, infrastructure developers, government agencies, and power companies will all need to work together. But the direction is clear. More travelers are now choosing electric options, not just for the environment, but because they offer a better ride.

If operators continue to deliver safe, clean, and reliable services, electric travel can become the new normal. Electric buses are not a distant plan. They are already on the road and changing how India travels, one highway at a time.

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Rohan Dewan, Co-Founder and CEO of LeafyBus. All views are personal.