JBM Auto plans to deploy 5,000 e-buses in FY24; to invest Rs 500 crore on capacity expansion

JBM Auto, the flagship company of the JMB Group, is planning to deploy 5,000 electric buses across the country by the end of next financial year 2023-2024. To fulfil its target the company is planning to invest Rs 500 crore on capacity building and improving technology.  

“Our investment of Rs 500 will be directed towards capacity expansion, production and technology. Currently our production capacity is of 3,000 buses which is not sufficient to address the growing demand and therefore we are actively upgrading our capacities,” Nishant Arya, JBM Auto, Vice Chairman told Autocar Professional. 

Arya also hinted that a part of this deployment will be done with Convergence Energy Services’ latest tender. Recently the company has participated in the state-owned CESL along with other electric bus OEMs for a new tender of 4,675 electric buses. As per a Reuters report, JBM Auto will supply 1,781 electric buses in three states. 

He further said that the bus segment will reach its pre-Covid-19 level by FY24 and electric buses are going to be a substantial part of business. “From next year the industry will reach its normal volumes of 80,000-90,000 units. I expect 50 percent of the new buses will be electric by FY27,” Arya said on the industry outlook. 

The AutoExpo 2023 marks the company's entry in the long-range electric luxury coach segment with its fully electric 12-meter Galaxy coach. Powered by ‘advanced chemistry’ lithium-ion batteries the company has claimed a range of over 1,000 kilometres per charge with its new intercity coach bus. Besides, the company has also showcased three new products in its electric bus series that cater to diverse platforms like city, staff and school segments.

Currently, the company has over 1,000 electric buses running on the roads in over 12 states. “This launch completes our product offering in the commercial passenger segment that will contribute to sustainable and efficient public transport across the country,” Arya said. 

Elaborating on the features of the new range of electric buses he added “these will address the growing market requirements, especially of fleet owners, who are looking for sustainable, safe, reliable and profitable operations. We believe that this segment will continue to grow exponentially over the next few years. We shall also be investing in upgrading our current plants and setting up new plants to cater to growing demand from our customers.”

JBM Galaxy coach comes with infotainment systems, modern utilities like Wi-Fi, mobile charging ports, comfortable reclining seats, saloon lighting and best in class safety features. This long-haul bus has a seating capacity of 45 passengers. 

The vehicles are currently deployed across various states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar, Goa, Telangana, etc. under the FAME scheme amongst other customers.