Astranova Mobility, one of India’s fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) financing and asset management platforms, has announced its expansion into the electric intercity bus segment through a strategic partnership with intercity travel operator Zingbus. Under the collaboration, multiple fully electric buses have been deployed on the high-traffic Delhi–Dehradun corridor, covering over 275 kilometres, marking a significant milestone in India’s clean mobility transition.
Electric Buses Now Operational on Busy Intercity Route
The first electric intercity buses under the Astranova–Zingbus partnership are already operational, offering passengers a quieter, smoother ride with zero tailpipe emissions. Early performance indicators show strong passenger adoption, high vehicle uptime, and improved ride comfort. Zingbus has reported positive customer feedback and improved operating economics on these EV-led routes, reinforcing its confidence to scale electric operations further.
As part of its long-term sustainability roadmap, Zingbus plans to expand its electric fleet to nearly 1,000 buses over the next few years, with Astranova Mobility playing a key role in financing and asset management.
Astranova Expands End-to-End EV Leasing Portfolio
With this development, Astranova Mobility has successfully entered the high-impact intercity bus segment, becoming the only Indian EV financing platform to offer comprehensive, end-to-end leasing solutions across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, chargers, trucks, and now buses.
Over the next 12 months, Astranova plans to lease electric buses worth more than ₹200 crore across select intercity routes in partnership with operators including Zingbus.
Addressing Key Barriers to Electric Bus Adoption
The collaboration is designed to overcome the three biggest challenges faced by bus operators transitioning to electric mobility. First, Astranova’s customized long-tenure leasing model significantly reduces high upfront capital costs. Second, concerns around driving range and charging infrastructure are addressed by partnering with suitable OEMs offering reliable electric bus platforms. Third, asset lifecycle risks are mitigated through Astranova’s tailored buy-back and refurbishment programs.
Leadership Insights on Accelerating Clean Intercity Mobility
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Kunal Mundra, Founder and CEO of Astranova Mobility, highlighted the environmental impact of electrifying intercity transport. He noted that intercity buses contribute disproportionately to transport-related emissions in India and that electrifying even a portion of these routes can deliver outsized climate benefits. He added that Astranova has made significant investments in engineering and data capabilities to support financing in this segment and aims to replicate the Zingbus model across India.
Mr. Prashant Kumar, CEO and Co-founder of Zingbus, said the partnership is accelerating the company’s EV expansion on some of India’s busiest routes. He emphasized that per-kilometre operating costs on electric corridors are already lower than diesel alternatives and that passengers are increasingly preferring the cleaner and more comfortable electric bus experience. According to him, the collaboration supports Zingbus’s long-term vision of building a profitable, technology-driven clean mobility platform.
Electric Buses Key to India’s Net-Zero Goals
The electrification of large commercial vehicles, particularly intercity buses, is emerging as a critical focus area as India works toward its net-zero targets. The Astranova–Zingbus initiative reflects a broader industry shift, with operators increasingly evaluating electric options for high-frequency, long-distance routes due to improving economics, better technology, and supportive financing models.
Click Here to get the latest EV news and exclusive updates from EV Mechanica on WhatsApp!