Electric Force! Indian Army to Bring in 113 E-buses Into its Fleet

In a first, the Indian Army recently signed a contract worth Rs 130.58 crore for as many as 113 all-electric buses to be inducted into the forces. This is the first time ever that the Indian Army has moved to procure battery-powered buses although it has previously made moves to bring in electric cars, motorcycles and even tactical vehicles.

As per news agency ANI, the Indian Army is looking at cutting down on its reliance on fossil fuels while also modernizing its transport fleet in a bid to play a role in the country’s efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

E-buses for Indian Army

The Indian Army has signed a contract with JBM Auto for 113 electric buses as well as 43 fast chargers. According to an official statement, the move underlines Indian Army’s ‘stride towards a cleaner and greener environment in concert with the PM E-DRIVE initiative.’

The decision to sign the contract with JBM Auto, a key Indian player in the electric mobility space, stems from the Indian Army’s efforts to bolster local defence production and advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

How can E-buses Help the Indian Army?

Electric buses offer numerous advantages over conventional buses that run on fossil fuels. While running costs are fairly lower compared to diesel or even CNG-powered alternatives, the cost of maintenance is also significantly cheaper.

While expected to be primarily deployed for transportation purposes only, electric buses have the potential of offering an alternative in areas where there may be no or very few fuel depots.

Indian Army’s Green Push

The Indian Army is gradually putting its focus on cleaner and more sustainable mobility options. In February of 2024, the Indian Army in a press release informed of plans to induct a limited number of electric vehicles in ‘peace stations’ across the country. “The aim and objectives are to adapt to latest technological advancements, give impetus to green energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels,” the statement outlined, adding that it would initially focus on light electric vehicles, electric motorcycles and electric buses.

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