Daybreak The government is pushing for e-buses. But private bus operators are not hitching a ride
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Jan 20, 2025 The podcast explores India's ambitious push for e-buses and the slow uptake by private operators. It highlights the dramatic rise of startups like Eka Mobility, which transitioned from an R&D wing to a full-fledged EV manufacturer thanks to government subsidies. Despite the momentum, challenges remain in the adoption of electric buses, revealing the complexities of electrifying public transport. The discussion underscores the tension between government initiatives and private sector reluctance to fully embrace the e-bus revolution.
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Eka Mobility's Rise
- Eka Mobility, initially an R&D wing for Pinnacle Industries, transformed into an EV bus manufacturer.
- This shift followed the government's PM eDrive subsidy, resulting in a substantial order book worth 3,000 crore rupees.
B2G E-Bus Market
- The e-bus market has become business-to-government (B2G), with long-term contracts exceeding a decade.
- Startups winning tenders face this new dynamic.
GCC Model Prevalence
- Only 7% of India's buses are public, with a mere 0.003% operating under gross cost contracts (GCCs).
- These public-private partnerships involve state-operated buses and companies handling maintenance.