Electric buses are expected to make up about 17% of new bus registrations in India next fiscal year, up from 7% in FY26, according to a Crisil Ratings report. The forecast for electric bus registrations in India was reported by Autocar Professional on 14 October 2026.
Public sector procurement had built an order pipeline of about 29,000 electric buses as of September 2026.
Why Are Electric Bus Registrations in India Set to Rise?
Government support is a key driver. Under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, subsidies cover around 30% of the per-kilometre rental fees that State Transport Undertakings pay. Combined with the large order pipeline, this underpins Crisil’s projection of growth from 7% to 17% of new registrations.
What Could Slow Electric Bus Deployment?
Grid connectivity and depot power infrastructure can take up to 12 months to arrange. Crisil estimates this limits near-term deployments to 75-80% of total order books. The report notes that execution delays in depot works and power transmission infrastructure continue to affect deployment.
How Big Is the Private Operator Opportunity?
Private operators, covering staff transport, school buses, intercity travel and tourism, account for 85-90% of India’s total bus fleet. Nearly 40% of the private fleet is due for replacement over the next three to five years, which Crisil flags as a further opportunity for electric buses.
Market Reaction and Industry Response
No stock-market reaction or comment from bus makers or industry bodies was found in the sources reviewed at the time of writing.
What Happens Next?
Watch how quickly depot power infrastructure is built, how much of the 29,000-bus pipeline converts into deliveries, and whether private operators begin replacing ageing fleets with electric models over the next three to five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What share of new bus registrations will be electric?
Crisil expects electric buses to account for about 17% of new bus registrations in India next fiscal year, compared with 7% in FY26.
How many electric buses are in the order pipeline?
Public sector procurement had built a pipeline of about 29,000 electric buses as of September 2026.
What is slowing electric bus rollout?
Grid connectivity and depot power infrastructure can take up to 12 months, limiting near-term deployments to 75-80% of total order books, according to Crisil.
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