In a major move to accelerate Europe’s transition to green public mobility, JBM Electric Vehicles (JBM EV) unveiled its state-of-the-art all-electric city bus, ECOLIFE, at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025 in Hamburg. The launch marks JBM EV’s official entry into the European market and underscores its ambition to become a key player in the continent’s e-mobility transformation.
The ECOLIFE electric bus boasts an impressive range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge, ultra-fast charging capabilities, and a range of sustainability-first features, including recyclable interiors and fabrics made from recycled yarn. The bus has been engineered to meet stringent European Union safety, efficiency, and environmental standards.
European Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
JBM EV, the flagship EV company of the $3 billion JBM Group, has set up its European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, to anchor its operations across the EU. The company also announced a strategic partnership with KazenMaier, its preferred leasing partner in Germany, to deploy over 100 electric buses across the country in the first phase.
Speaking at the unveiling, Mr. Nishant Arya, Vice Chairman of JBM Group, stated:
“Our mission is to decarbonize public transport by creating new and sustainable global benchmarks. ECOLIFE represents our vision to make transportation smarter, safer, and more sustainable—not just for cities but for communities.” He further added, “With over a decade of experience in public mobility, we aim to serve 20 billion passengers and clock 3 billion electric kilometers in the next 3-4 years.”
Mr. Max Nastold, CEO of KazenMaier Leasing, emphasized the synergy between the two companies:
“Our shared commitment to green mobility makes JBM EV a natural partner. Together, we are building a zero-emission ecosystem that combines cutting-edge vehicles, charging infrastructure, and flexible financing solutions.”
ECOLIFE Highlights
The ECOLIFE city bus comes with a lightweight stainless steel monocoque body, high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries, modular battery packs, and a permanent magnet synchronous motor with high torque and power. Key performance and safety features include:
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Regenerative braking system
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Lane departure and collision warning systems
- Cyber-attack protection and driver safety alerts
- Intelligent Transport System (ITS) as per EU norms
- Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS)
- 360-degree camera surveillance
JBM EV’s European push is backed by a significant financial commitment, with the initial phase of the partnership with KazenMaier—covering the deployment of over 100 electric buses across Germany—estimated to be valued at approximately €80–100 million. This investment includes the cost of vehicles, charging infrastructure, and related ecosystem services. The deal underscores JBM’s intent to establish a long-term foothold in Europe’s public transportation sector, while offering flexible leasing and financing solutions tailored to municipal and private operators transitioning to zero-emission fleets.
Net Zero Commitment and SDG Alignment
JBM EV’s presentation at UITP 2025 reinforces its pledge toward Net Zero emissions by 2040. The company’s ecosystem platform, JBM E-Verse, showcased at the event, is a fully integrated EV solution spanning vehicle design, battery systems, charging infrastructure, and power management—all developed in-house.
The company’s initiatives align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
Proven Track Record in E-Mobility
With over 11,000 electric buses deployed or under execution globally, JBM EV operates the world’s largest dedicated electric bus manufacturing facility outside China, with a capacity of 20,000 buses annually. Its buses have logged 165+ million electric kilometers, served over 1 billion passengers, and helped save over 350 million liters of diesel and 1 billion kilograms of CO₂ to date.
Mr. Daniel Frade, Director – Sales, Marketing & After Sales, Europe, leads the company’s EU operations, bringing decades of expertise in global mobility solutions. JBM’s continued innovation, ecosystem integration, and sustainable design ethos are setting new standards in public transportation, as the company aims to reshape how cities move—one electric kilometer at a time.