The Tata Starbus EV is an all‑electric, low‑floor city bus designed for urban and intra‑city public transport operations in India. Developed with zero‑emission, low‑noise operations in mind, it targets government transport corporations, municipal fleets, and private bus o...
Tata Starbus EV 2025-2026
The Tata Starbus EV is an all‑electric, low‑floor city bus designed for urban and intra‑city public transport operations in India. Developed with zero‑emission, low‑noise operations in mind, it targets government transport corporations, municipal fleets, and private bus operators seeking to modernise their fleets with sustainable mobility solutions. By leveraging Tata Motors’ established commercial‑vehicle infrastructure, the Starbus EV aims to deliver high uptime, lower operating cost per km and enhanced passenger comfort compared to older diesel‑bus platforms.
Tata Starbus EV Variants & Price in India
Here is a table summarising some of the known variants of the Starbus EV and indicative ex‑showroom prices in India:
Variant (Length / Seating / Key spec)
Ex‑Showroom Price*
12‑metre low‑floor AC electric bus (approx)
2.20 Crore for 35‑seater 12 m variant.
12‑metre low‐floor non‑AC 31 seater/5930 mm wheelbase
33.90 Lakh to 2.20 Crore (varies by configuration)
9‑metre variant (approx)
Approx range 1.5 Crore to1.8 Crore (based on earlier data)
Tata Starbus EV Features
Key features and highlights of the Starbus EV include:
Zero‑emission full‑electric drivetrain, designed for urban operations.
Range: for the 12‑m variant roughly 200 km on a single charge.
Low‑floor design (~400 mm or similar) for easier boarding and alighting — passenger‑friendly in city environments.
Safety & driver‑assist features: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Braking System (EBS), provisions for ADAS‑type systems (Driver Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitoring) in advanced variants.
High seating/occupancy flexibility: The platform supports various seating layouts (e.g., 31‑35 seats plus D+ or wheelchair provision) depending on configuration.
Proven deployments & fleet uptime: Tata – via its mobility subsidiary – reports high uptime in city fleet operations (e.g., >95% uptime in Bengaluru) for its EV buses.
Robust service/maintenance model: Tata Motors, through its smart‑city mobility arm, offers operations & maintenance contracts (supply, operate & maintain) for city‑bus fleets.
Why Should You Buy Tata Starbus EV?
Here are compelling reasons to consider the Starbus EV for your fleet or transport operation:
Sustainability & regulatory alignment: As cities push for zero‑emission transport, electric buses like the Starbus EV help meet pollution targets, city‑fleet mandates and move away from diesel dependency.
Lower operating cost potential: With electric powertrains, regenerative braking, fewer moving parts compared to diesel engines, the total cost of ownership (TCO) can be more favourable over the life‑cycle in high‑utilisation city applications.
High uptake and proven deployment: Large orders (e.g., to Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)) attest to real‑world acceptance and vendor reliability.
Passenger comfort & modern design: Low‑floor entry, quieter ride, fewer emissions, plus modern features means better passenger experience — vital for urban transport operations.
Brand & after‑sales support: Being backed by Tata Motors gives assurance in parts, service network, lifecycle support — an important factor for commercial fleet operators.
Scalability & future readiness: Deploying an EV bus fleet now can prepare operators for future regulatory landscapes, battery/charging infrastructure improvements, and city mobility shifts.
Tata Starbus EV Last Three Months Sales
Specific unit‑sales by variant for the Starbus EV are not publicly broken out for each month, but major contract orders give an indication of recent momentum:
Month
Order / Delivery Event
Notes
September 2023
400 Starbus EVs supplied to DTC (Delhi)
Part of a larger 1,500‑bus contract.
December 2023
100 Starbus EVs delivered to BMTC (Bengaluru)
As part of a 12‑year, 921‑bus contract.
July 2025
Delivery commenced of 148 advanced Starbus EVs to BMTC
Adds to earlier batches.
The Tata Starbus EV presents itself as a strategically strong choice for city‑bus fleet modernisation in India. With its zero‑emission electric drivetrain, low‑floor passenger‑friendly architecture, and backing of Tata Motors’ service ecosystem, it aligns well with the evolving urban transport landscape. While upfront costs are significant compared to diesel equivalents, the long‑term benefits — including lower emissions, reduced operating cost, regulatory compliance and improved passenger experience — make it an appealing proposition for transport authorities and commercial fleet operators. If you are planning to expand or refresh a city‑bus fleet and want an electric solution, the Starbus EV merits serious consideration — provided you assess infrastructure (charging, depot modifications) and operational usage (duty‑cycles, route length) appropriately.