As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, transportation is at the forefront of this transformation. In his article, Sustainable Transportation Trends in 2025: The Rising Influence of E-buses and Electric Fleets, Ashok Vashist, Founder & CEO of WTiCabs, delves into the accelerating adoption of electric mobility solutions, with a specific emphasis on the growing role of electric buses and fleets. With cities and governments worldwide prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives to tackle climate change, Vashist explores the innovations, challenges, and opportunities shaping the electric vehicle (EV) industry. His insights underscore how this shift is set to revolutionize both public and private transportation by 2025.
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the push for sustainability has gained momentum, particularly within the transportation sector. Electric vehicles (EVs), including e-buses, have emerged as key solutions to address this demand, resulting in a significant surge in sales.
Growing Network of Electric Vehicles
In recent years, the number of electric vehicles and ebuses has increased significantly. In the first quarter of 2024, EV sales were up by about 25% compared to 2023. The same goes for electric buses. Governments around the world, particularly in developing countries like India, are relying on ebuses to reduce vehicular emissions caused by the public transport system. As per reports, by the end of the fiscal year 2024-25, the electric bus sale in India is expected to reach 6000 to 6500 units. These figures show that electric vehicles, including ebuses, have become the driving force behind the sustainable mobility trend around the world.
EVs Helping Reduce GHG Emissions
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most significant benefits of EVs. Unlike fossil fuel vehicles, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, drastically reducing carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. As countries, including India, are working to reduce their GHG emissions, the demand for reducing vehicular emissions is on top of the list, as it is the second largest contributor to global emissions. In 2023, it added roughly 8.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO₂e) to the environment. Therefore, to cut down vehicular emissions, electric vehicles have become the go-to solution for nations worldwide.
Integration with Renewable Energy Reducing Carbon Footprint
When EVs are powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower, their environmental impact is further reduced. This integration significantly lowers their carbon footprint, as the electricity used to charge them is clean and sustainable. By relying on renewable energy, EVs also help reduce the overall demand for fossil fuels and promote a shift toward a cleaner energy grid. The combined benefits of EVs and renewable energy are crucial in the global effort to combat climate change.
Ensuring Better Utilisation of Energy
EVs are far more energy-efficient than traditional ICE vehicles. Electric motors can convert more than 87%–91% of electrical energy into motion, compared to only 16–25% in ICE vehicles, which means that EVs use energy much more efficiently. This enhanced efficiency reduces energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a lower carbon footprint for transportation. This impressive energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also plays a key role in reducing transportation costs, aligning both ecological and economic sustainability goals
Reduced Operational and Maintenance Cost
Due to their simpler design and fewer moving parts, EVs offer lower operating and maintenance costs than traditional vehicles. Without components like the engine, exhaust system, and transmission found in ICE vehicles, EVs experience less wear and tear, resulting in fewer repairs and longer lifespans. Additionally, the cost of electricity to charge EVs is significantly lower than the cost of fossil fuel, further enhancing their economic viability. This combination of reduced maintenance and lower energy costs makes EVs a more affordable and sustainable transportation option in the long term.
Future Outlook
Innovation in battery technologies and driver assistance systems are further improving the future outlook of electric vehicles. Together, these technologies will enhance the efficiency and range of electric cars while ensuring public safety and passenger safety. These advancements will result in increased sales of electric vehicles. It is estimated that by the end of 2030, about 250 million EVs will be running on roads, increasing to 525 million in 2035.
Way Forward
The adoption of EVs and ebuses will accelerate as technology advances and infrastructure improves. As battery performance, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration evolve and awareness regarding the impact of climate change and the role of fossil fuels expands, the demand for EVs will further increase. To ensure commercial sustainability, EV buses must achieve a minimum utilization of 7,000 revenue kilometers per month; otherwise, they risk becoming financially unviable. Thus, electrified vehicles will continue to drive the transition toward cleaner and more efficient mobility in 2025 and beyond.
