FlixBus and ETO Motors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy electric intercity coaches in India by March, marking a key step towards the electrification of long-distance travel.
While the exact routes for the electric buses have not been disclosed, the collaboration focuses on installing “advanced charging infrastructure specifically tailored for FlixBus’s operational routes,” according to the press release.
ETO Motors, an electric fleet operator in India, will support the project by developing charging stations, such as its ETO Thunderbox, and building out infrastructure across the country.
Rajeev YSR, CEO of Thunder Plus and Group Chief Marketing Officer at ETO Group, said, “This partnership enables us to offer end-to-end solutions to the Indian commuters from first mile, last mile and including the middle mile / intercity operations. We are accordingly developing the charging infrastructure across the country to not only support these operations but some of them would also be public thus aiding the EV adoption in India.”
FlixBus, which has been trialing electric coaches in Europe and the US, is keen to bring its green mobility initiatives to India. Surya Khurana, Managing Director of FlixBus India, commented, “Our partnership with ETO Motors is a critical milestone in aligning with India’s vision of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green mobility. Across the world, we are actively running numerous green and alternative fuel initiatives, and we are excited to bring the same commitment to sustainability to India.” The bus models to be used in India have not been confirmed, but FlixBus has previously trialed Yutong electric buses in Europe.
