The company, supported by Mitsui & Co., Ltd and VDL Groep, announced that EKA’s growth plans include launching 7- and 13.5-meter buses, which will complement its current selection of 9- and 12-meter models.
EKA (Pinnacle Mobility Solutions Pvt. Ltd.) is gearing up to launch new electric bus variants and small commercial vehicle (SCV) models next year, according to Vinay Nidige, Head of EKA’s private bus sales unit, during a discussion with Autocar Professional at the recently concluded Prawaas 4.0 event. The company, which receives support from Mitsui & Co., Ltd and VDL Groep, plans to expand its electric bus offerings by introducing 7- and 13.5-meter buses, enhancing its existing range of 9- and 12-meter models.
Vinay Nidige emphasised the company’s ambition to offer one of the most extensive product lines in the electric bus market, aiming to secure a larger market share. In the SCV domain, EKA intends to augment its current selection, which includes a 1.5-ton truck, by venturing into the three-wheeler segment. The forthcoming lineup will feature both passenger and cargo variants, equipped with various seating and payload configurations to meet diverse market demands.
Nidige highlighted the untapped potential in the bus market, which is predominantly led by private entities. Although government orders have predominantly fueled the demand for electric buses in urban environments, he believes that the private sector will increasingly embrace electric coaches for travel purposes. Nidige revealed that EKA is preparing to introduce a 13.5-meter coach platform, expected to be ready by the first quarter of the next year, signalling a strategic pivot towards exploring new avenues for revenue.
The collaboration with Mitsui and VDL Groep involves a significant joint investment exceeding USD 100 million (approximately Rs 850 crores) over several years. Mitsui will provide not only financial support but also strategic guidance to help EKA penetrate selected emerging markets effectively. Simultaneously, VDL Groep, a leader in electric buses and coaches through its subsidiary VDL Bus & Coach, will contribute advanced technology to facilitate the local production of sophisticated electric buses suited to the specific needs of the Indian market.
EKA has underscored the importance of these partnerships in boosting its manufacturing capabilities and establishing robust systems and processes essential for expanding operations. These collaborative efforts are positioned as key to enhancing EKA’s overall capacity to meet growing market demands.
