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JBM Electric Vehicles Launches ‘GALAXY’ Luxury Electric Coach to Accelerate Sustainable Intercity Bus Travel

JBM Electric Vehicles (JBM EV) has unveiled its next-generation 'GALAXY' electric luxury coach, expanding its portfolio of zero-emission commercial vehicles for India's growing intercity transportation market. The launch took place on the opening day of Prawaas 5.0, with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurating the vehicle in the presence of Nishant Arya, Chairman of JBM Electric Vehicles. The launch reflects the increasing shift towards electric mobility solutions for long-distance passenger transport as India accelerates efforts to decarbonise its public transportation sector.

Designed specifically for premium intercity travel, the GALAXY coach is available in two passenger configurations. The first offers 22 Maharaja reclining seats, 20 sleeper berths, and an onboard washroom, while the second features 24 Maharaja reclining seats and 20 sleeper berths without a washroom. The coach combines one of the highest passenger capacities in its category with generous luggage space, enabling transport operators to improve route profitability while offering greater comfort for passengers on long-distance journeys.

According to JBM EV, the new coach has been developed to meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers by integrating luxury, operational efficiency, and sustainable mobility. The vehicle adopts a European-inspired design language and features panoramic windows, spacious interiors, individual air-conditioning vents, personal reading lights, USB charging ports, and enhanced legroom and headroom, creating an airline-style travel experience for passengers.

Passenger safety has been a major focus in the development of the GALAXY electric coach. The vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)-ready architecture, Electronic Braking System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), hill-hold assist, live surveillance cameras, emergency exits, and multiple active safety technologies designed to improve driver awareness and reduce accident risks during intercity operations. These features align with the broader industry trend of integrating intelligent safety systems into commercial electric vehicles.

The coach also incorporates electronically controlled air suspension, along with kneeling and height-adjustment functions that make boarding and alighting easier for passengers, including senior citizens and people with reduced mobility. Powering the vehicle are high-efficiency modular battery packs supported by fast-charging capability and regenerative braking technology, which helps recover energy during braking to improve overall driving efficiency and extend operational range.

The launch comes as India's electric bus market continues to expand under various central and state government initiatives promoting clean public transportation. While electric buses have gained significant traction in city operations through schemes such as PM e-Bus Sewa and state transport electrification programmes, the introduction of premium electric coaches represents an important step toward reducing emissions from intercity and long-distance passenger travel, a segment traditionally dominated by diesel-powered buses.

JBM Electric Vehicles has established itself as one of India's leading electric bus manufacturers, with more than 3,300 electric buses deployed across 17 states and over 12 major airports. The company currently holds an order book exceeding 10,000 electric buses and operates one of the world's largest dedicated integrated electric bus manufacturing facilities outside China at its Delhi-NCR plant, which has an annual production capacity of 20,000 electric buses.

The company also reported that its electric bus fleet has collectively travelled over 450 million electric kilometres (e-km) under its long-term 3 billion e-km commitment, serving more than 1.5 billion passengers. With the launch of the GALAXY electric coach, JBM EV aims to strengthen its presence in the premium intercity mobility segment while supporting India's transition toward cleaner, smarter, and more energy-efficient transportation infrastructure.