Indian Army orders biggest procurement of EV 113 buses and 43 fast chargers!

The Indian Army has taken a pioneering step in India’s green mobility journey by becoming the first major adopter of electric vehicle technology within the defence sector. In a landmark development, the Army has inked a ₹130.58 crore contract with JBM Auto Ltd for the procurement of 113 electric buses and 43 fast chargers under the “Buy (Indian–IDDM)” category, which ensures that the products are indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured.

This initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE programme, launched under the Ministry of Heavy Industries to promote eco-friendly transport solutions and reduce vehicular emissions across public and strategic institutions. Each electric bus is designed to seat 40 passengers and has an operational range of about 250 kilometres, making it suitable for deployment in plains and semi-hilly terrains.

By shifting towards electric mobility, the Army aims to significantly reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and contribute to India’s broader mission of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The move also reinforces the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous manufacturing and technological innovation in the Indian defense supply chain.

The deployment of these electric buses across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force symbolizes a new era in sustainable defense operations — where environmental responsibility complements operational readiness. This step not only modernizes military transport but also sets a precedent for other government institutions to embrace clean, self-reliant mobility solutions.