Electric School Buses in India 2025: Prices, Brands & How to Choose

Update On: Thu Apr 10 2025 by Pratham Verma

As India marches towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, electric school buses are gaining serious traction in 2025. A smart, eco-conscious, and long-term investment that schools across the country are beginning to explore. But with new technology comes new questions. What’s the right electric school bus for your institution? What’s the price tag? Which brands lead the charge? Let’s dive into India’s top electric school bus options this year and figure out how to choose the best fit.

Top Electric School Buses in India (2025)

1. Tata Intercity EV 2.0 – For Long Routes & Smooth Journeys

Designed for intercity travel, the Tata Intercity EV 2.0 isn’t just another bus—it’s a rolling statement. With a length of 12 meters, a wheelbase of 6,250 mm, and seating for 45 passengers, this EV means business.

What makes it stand out? A dual air suspension setup ensures your students ride in comfort, even on rough stretches. Plus, safety is serious here: disc brakes on all wheels, Electronic Braking System (EBS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) come standard.

Add semi-sleeper seats, mobile charging points, a sleek digital driver cluster, and you’ve got a futuristic yet functional ride.

Ex-showroom Price: 21.00 lakh INR*

2. SML Isuzu Hiroi.EV – The Urban Eco Warrior

Compact yet mighty, the SML Isuzu Hiroi.EV is purpose-built for city routes. It’s powered by a 268 HP electric motor that pushes out a jaw-dropping 2,500 Nm of torque. Impressive, right?

It runs on a 200 kWh battery, cruises up to 75 km/h, and handles city inclines like a champ with 17% gradeability. Designed with 33 seats and weighing in at a GVW of 12,500 kg, this bus means efficiency meets power.

Whether it's a daily school route or occasional city transport duty, the Hiroi.EV handles it with confidence.

Ex-showroom Price: 26.10 lakh INR*

3. Tata Starbus Urban City Electric – Power Meets Capacity

The Tata Starbus Urban City Electric is a powerhouse wrapped in elegance. With a whopping 37 seats, a GVW of 19,500 kg, and a beastly 328 HP electric motor, this EV is engineered for high-capacity, high-efficiency transport.

Need AC comfort? Done. Prefer a basic, no-frills variant? That’s covered too.

Its 250 kWh battery ensures long-range use, and its design is tailored for smooth, stop-and-go city traffic. If your institution needs volume, durability, and technology, this bus delivers—all day long.

Ex-showroom Price: 21 lakh INR*

4. Tata Ultra EV 9 – Compact, Smart, Efficient

Ideal for shorter distances or routes with fewer students, this bus features 25 seats, a GVW of 11,500 kg, and a capable electric motor producing 2,200 Nm of torque. Add in a 200 kWh battery and air suspension, and what you get is a smaller EV that doesn’t cut corners on comfort or performance.

Think of it as the perfect blend of agility and dependability.

Ex-showroom Price: 17.45 lakh INR*

How to Choose the Right Electric School Bus

Buying an electric school bus isn’t just about the sticker price—it’s about the bigger picture. Let’s break it down.

Seating Needs: How many students do you transport daily? Go bigger if you have high numbers; choose a compact EV for smaller routes.
Battery & Range: A 200 kWh battery might be more than enough for short city loops. For longer routes? Look for higher capacity options like the Starbus or Intercity.
Charging Infrastructure: Do you have a reliable charging station on campus or nearby? If not, consider this a priority. Fast-charging options can make a big difference.
Safety First: Look for buses with EBS, ESC, disc brakes, and quality suspension systems. These aren't just features—they're life-saving tools.
Total Ownership Cost: Sure, the upfront price matters. But think long-term. EVs typically require less maintenance and enjoy lower running costs. Add potential government subsidies, and the picture gets brighter.
After-Sales Support: Choose a brand that offers robust service networks and responsive support teams. Downtime isn't an option when student safety is on the line.

The Bottom Line

Electric school buses in India aren’t just futuristic—they’re already here, and they’re getting better every year. From the Tata Intercity EV 2.0 to the urban-savvy SML Isuzu Hiroi.EV, there's an electric bus built for every route, every school, and every budget. So whether you're thinking green, saving costs, or just want a smarter fleet—it’s time to plug in and switch on.