Complete Comparison of Roots EV's Modern Electric Bus Models

A side-by-side comparison of Roots EV's 14-seater and 18-seater electric bus models — specs, payload, range, and ideal use cases.

Why model comparison matters when selecting an electric bus

Before diving into model specs, it's worth asking: Why is it important to compare different electric bus variants?

• Different seating capacity suits different user loads (small staff shuttle vs. full campus transport).
• Size, weight, and maneuverability affect usability in narrow lanes or tight campus roads.
• Battery, motor, and build specifications influence range, efficiency, and maintenance cost.
• Matching the bus type with actual needs ensures optimal total cost of ownership (TCO) and avoids under-utilization or overspending.

With that context, let's compare Roots EV's 14-, 18- and 23-seater electric buses.

What are the key Roots EV electric bus models and their specifications?

14-Seater Mini Electric Bus

Although not detailed in the public spec sheet like 18 and 23 seater, the 14-seater mini electric bus from Roots EV caters to compact-group transport:

• Best suited for resort-style shuttles, small campuses, guest transport, or low-density residential townships.
• Offers ease of parking and excellent maneuverability in tight roads or internal lanes.
• Lower purchase cost compared to larger buses, making it budget-friendly for smaller institutions.
• A great entry-level electric bus, especially for those transitioning from petrol or diesel golf carts or vans.

This 14-seater bus aligns with the broader category of mini electric bus or small electric shuttle, often considered in India's electric mobility market for short-distance, low-capacity transport needs.

18-Seater Electric Bus (RT-B-A18)

This mid-capacity model from Roots EV offers a balanced solution between compactness and passenger capacity. Its core specs include:

• Seating Capacity: 18 passengers
• Operating System: 72V / AC system with a 10 kW motor, regenerative braking, and Curtis controller for a smooth drive.
• Charger: Onboard or offboard charger supporting 110-240 V input with 72 V, 30 A output.
• Speed: Up to 35 km/h — suitable for campus roads and internal routes.
• Range: Approximately 40-50 km on a lead-acid battery and 60-70 km if upgraded to lithium battery (on level roads at 20 km/h) — ideal for daily shuttle loops.
• Load & Climb Capacity: Up to 1500 kg loading, good hill-climb capability (30% gradient when loaded).
• Compact Dimensions: Length ~5980 mm — easier to maneuver inside campuses, gated communities, resorts.

Use-case scenarios for 18-seater: medium-sized campuses, employee shuttles for corporate parks, hospital staff movement, residential township transit where 14-seater may be too small and 23-seater may be excessive.

23-Seater Electric Bus (RT-B-A23)

For larger groups or frequent shuttle cycles, the 23-seater bus offers more capacity while still retaining maneuverability suited for internal routes. Key specifications:

• Seating Capacity: 23 passengers
• Operating System: 96V / AC with a 20 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor, regenerative braking and a reliable controller system.
• Charger: Onboard/offboard charger compatible with 110-240 V supply, output 96 V.
• Dimensions: 6120 x 1980 x 2330 mm — combines reasonable footprint with higher capacity.
• Performance: Designed to carry larger loads, suitable for routes with more passenger demand. Climbing capacity and payload capacity handled better than smaller buses.
• Ideal for campuses, resorts, factories, industrial parks and townships needing regular shuttle service for many people.

Use-case scenarios for 23-seater: large universities and college campuses, big residential townships, industrial or corporate parks, airport transfers, resorts with high guest traffic, employee shuttles in factories.

How do these models compare — a quick side-by-side view

This flexibility and range from 14-seater to 23-seater models illustrate why many institutions choose a mix — smaller ones for light demand, larger ones for peak hours or heavy usage.

What makes Roots EV a reliable electric bus manufacturer for your fleet in India?

• Pan India coverage & supply chain: Based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Roots EV supports delivery and after-sales across India — important for campuses or industries located outside metros.
• Range of vehicle sizes: Whether you need a compact shuttle bus or a heavier-duty 23-seater, Roots EV's portfolio covers it all, enabling scaling as your campus or facility grows.
• Quality & customisation: From electric golf buggy and EV cart supplier experience to full-sized electric buses, Roots EV applies attention to chassis design, battery systems, motor efficiency and user comfort.
• Sustainability & total cost advantage: The modern electric bus models use efficient battery and drive systems, reducing operational costs vs. diesel/petrol and offering quiet, zero-emission transport — aligning with environmental goals.

Which model should you choose — and when?

• If your campus or community has low to moderate transport demand, tight roads or requires guest-shuttles/resort transport → go for 14-seater mini electric bus.
• For medium passenger load, moderate campus size or staff-transport in corporate/hospital/residential settings → 18-seater electric bus (RT-B-A18) is the sweet spot.
• For large passenger volume, frequent shuttle cycles, university campuses, factories or township transport → 23-seater electric bus (RT-B-A23) offers the best balance of capacity and manageability.

Many institutions find value in a mixed fleet — small buses for daily small-group use and larger ones for peak-hour or bulk transit, ensuring cost-efficiency and flexibility.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electric bus model can transform internal mobility for your institution, campus, resort or industrial facility. With Roots EV's range of 14-, 18- and 23-seater electric buses, you get flexibility, reliability and sustainability — all backed by a trusted manufacturer based in Coimbatore and serving PAN India.

Whether you're just starting with EV adoption or scaling an existing fleet, contact Roots EV today for a consultation. Let us help you pick the ideal electric bus model — tailored to your passenger load, route demands and infrastructure — and deliver reliable, eco-friendly mobility for your campus or business.