Three crashes, similar claims: Experts probe EV bus operations

Preliminary findings suggest the bus may have surged forward after the handbrake was released in Dadar on Monday. Pic/Ashish Raje

Transport and automotive experts have raised concerns over driver allocation practices, training standards and the operational differences between electric and conventional buses following a series of recent BEST bus accidents involving electric vehicles.

Their observations come as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the latest fatal crash in Dadar, where preliminary findings suggest the bus may have surged forward after the handbrake was released.

While experts cautioned against drawing conclusions before the inquiry is completed, several pointed to the challenges of operating different types of buses and the need for specialised training.

Why EVs behave differently

One senior automotive expert explained...

‘Electric vehicles typically deliver near-instantaneous torque, with a significant portion of the available torque becoming accessible as soon as the vehicle is engaged in Drive mode. Drivers are required to keep the brake pedal firmly applied when releasing the parking brake or shifting the vehicle from Neutral or Park into Drive, and then gradually ease off the brakes to initiate movement. Failure to maintain brake application during this transition can cause the vehicle to move abruptly, increasing the risk of an accident or unintended vehicle movement.'

Drivers switched between bus types?

Nitin Dossa, chairman of the Western India Automobile Association:
‘The accidents with electric buses are too frequent. Drivers need to be given good training and sustained on a single type of bus. What is now being done is random postings of drivers in all types of buses, which might be leading to confusion.

Regular buses have things like a clutch and other equipment, while the automatic buses have a different way of working. Every type of bus needs to be treated differently.'

Another transport expert said...
It is unlikely that the bus speeds up like this when the handbrake is released. There could be issues with maintenance or driver training.

Official Speak

Trushna Vishwasrao, BEST chairperson
‘Taking note of the seriousness of this accident, a four-member committee of senior BEST Undertaking officials has been formed to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and submit a report to the administration immediately. The crash is being examined not only by BEST but also through a technical review involving the wet-lease operator.'

Software-based Torque management
The expert noted that many manufacturers use software controls to manage sudden power delivery. "To balance the instant torque characteristics of electric powertrains with drivability and safety, several manufacturers employ software-based torque management systems that regulate the amount of torque delivered when the vehicle begins moving from a standstill."

How driver allocation has changed

Earlier
BEST-owned model
>> BEST directly employed drivers and conductors
>> BEST owned the buses
>> Depot traffic inspectors assigned daily duties
>> Driver-conductor pairings were managed internally
>> Vehicle checks and operational accountability remained with BEST

Now
Wet-lease model (contract)
>> Contractors own and operate buses
>> BEST pays operators on a per-kilometre basis
>> BEST determines routes and service requirements
>> Contractors control drivers and day-to-day operations

Fleet composition

BEST-owned buses Approximately: 249
Wet-leased (contract) buses: The vast majority of the fleet

Similar pattern in recent Olectra bus accidents?

Location Reported sequence
Kurla Bus was stationary; after moving off, it allegedly continued accelerating
Bhandup Bus was stationary; acceleration reportedly occurred after handbrake release
Dadar Bus was stationary; acceleration reportedly occurred after handbrake release