Hyderabad-based Olectra Greentech (often referred to in contexts as a leader in electric bus manufacturing in India) has announced the full commencement of operations at Phase One of its expanded manufacturing facility. The firm’s Managing Director Mahesh Babu Subramanian shared optimistic updates on the company's capacity ramp-up and market performance amid India's accelerating push toward electric mobility.

Mahesh Babu welcomed the new year and highlighted that the facility can now produce approximately 2,500 electric buses per shift, with the flexibility to double shifts and scale capacity as demand grows. The company has already demonstrated strong market traction, leading in electric bus registrations with over 900 vehicles cumulatively in previous periods and more than 950 in the first three quarters of the ongoing fiscal year. He expressed confidence in delivering substantial growth in the coming quarters.

The facility's full capacity is projected to reach around 5,000 units annually with two shifts. Expansion to this level will be demand-driven: the company plans to first optimize the existing Phase One setup before scaling further. Mahesh Babu emphasized that the plant's infrastructure is already built to support much higher volumes, requiring only additional equipment, manpower, and minor setup adjustments. "As long as the market can absorb 10,000-plus vehicles, we can achieve that in the coming financial year," he noted.

Beyond buses, Olectra Greentech is actively diversifying its portfolio. The company has completed around 100 electric truck pilots and is preparing for large-scale entry into the electric truck segment, with dedicated capacity expected to come online in the next financial year. Parallel investments are underway in product development across multiple commercial electric vehicle segments, positioning the company to capitalize on the anticipated boom in electric buses and trucks by FY30.

Addressing industry challenges, the MD acknowledged that manufacturing capacity alone is insufficient for widespread EV adoption—particularly for buses—due to dependencies on charging infrastructure, power availability, and state transport undertakings' (STUs) readiness for deployment. To mitigate delays in depot infrastructure that have impacted large orders, Olectra is adopting a prudent approach by aligning production expansions with actual deployment timelines. The company remains the market leader in key states like Uttar Pradesh and Telangana and is collaborating closely with STUs to accelerate infrastructure rollout and ensure swift bus deployment.

On the order book front, MD Mahesh Babu confirmed eligibility for approximately 1,785 vehicles under the central government's major PM E-Drive scheme tender for 10,900 electric buses—a welcome boost for the sector. Letters of award are in process, with agreements expected soon. With an existing order book exceeding 8,000 vehicles, the company anticipates delivering between 3,000 (conservative estimate) and potentially over 5,000 buses in calendar year 2026, contingent on timely depot readiness.

Olectra Greentech's strategic moves reflect India's broader shift toward prioritizing electric buses and trucks in 2026, as incentives for smaller EVs wind down. With strong registrations, a robust pipeline, and plans for trucks and other segments, the company is well-positioned to lead the country's commercial EV revolution.