Driving the change: Stakeholder insights into the challenges of India’s electric bus system

The rapid electrification of public transport is reshaping urban mobility worldwide. Electric buses (E-buses) promise cleaner, quieter travel but introduce new operational and human–machine interaction challenges. This study examines stakeholder perspectives on the operation, charging, and maintenance of E-buses in India, focusing on drivers’ experiences with digital dashboards and their adaptation to emerging technologies. The aim is to inform design strategies for safer, more usable, and efficient E-bus interfaces. A qualitative study was conducted with 14 stakeholders, including managers, engineers, designers, and test drivers from a leading Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Semi-structured interviews followed a funnel-shaped sequence, progressing from open discussions to targeted inquiries. Thematic analysis identified key usability concerns and design recommendations. Three main human factors challenges emerged. First, participants described cognitive demands associated with dense, text-heavy dashboards. Second, inconsistent charging infrastructure and range uncertainty reduce driver confidence and disrupt operations. Third, drivers face a steep learning curve as they adapt to digital interfaces with limited training and varying technological readiness. These findings highlight the need for human-centered interface redesigns that simplify information, enhance situational awareness, and support multimodal feedback suited to diverse user skill levels. The study provides actionable insights for improving E-bus instrument clusters and advancing human–machine interface (HMI) design toward safer and more intuitive urban transit systems.