India's first electric double decker bus launched in Mumbai

Indias first electric double decker bus by Switch Mobility was formally launched in Mumbai on Thursday The bus was unveiled by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari The bus will be a part of the BEST undertaking as the public transporter plans to add a large number of electric double decker ebusesThe unique electric double decker airconditioned bus is of Switch EiV 22 Designed developed and manufactured in India and utilising Switchs global electric bus experience Switch EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology ultramodern design highest safety and bestinclass comfort features The renewed iconic double decker bus is designed to revolutionise public transportation in the country and will set new standards in the intracity bus marketThe bus is the worlds first standard floor air conditioned electric double decker with wider door on rear overhang and a rear staircase The double decker has a lightweight aluminium body construction which offers higher passenger to weight ratio and a competitive cost per km per passengerMinister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari said There is a need to transform the countrys transport system from a longterm perspective With focus on reforming urban transport we are trying to build a low footprint and high passenger density integrated EV mobility ecosystem Governments vision and policies are supportive towards EV adoption with growing consumer demand for greener solutions I would like to congratulate Switch Mobility subsidiary of Ashok Leyland for being the one to revive the double decker and remain committed to introducing new technologies for the benefit of passengers and society at largeAlso Read More than 1500 people killed in accidents on MumbaiGoa highway in 10 years Maha ministerLaunching the Switch EiV 22 in Mumbai today is a proud moment for the Hinduja Group The Group has a clear vision to support economies in delivering their net zero objectives through renewable energy finance and zero emission transportation We are confident that our new zero emission doubledecker bus will deliver a cleaner and more sustainable future reinforcing our commitment for India and the globe Mr Ashok Hinduja Chairman Hinduja Group of Companies India commenting on the launch saidAshok Leyland was a pioneer among Indian manufacturers when it first launched the double decker in 1967 in Mumbai and Switch is carrying forward that legacy With our strong expertise in double deckers both in India and UK and with over 100 Switch electric double deckers in service on UK roads we are happy to not only bring back this icon to life but also reinforces our commitment to create this form factor for India and the globe Dheeraj Hinduja Chairman Switch Mobility saidThe Switch EiV 22 is designed and developed to meet Indian conditions while at the same time provide superior customer comfort and delight Mumbai and double deckers are synonymous with public transport and we are certain that Switch EiV 22 will not only bring back fond memories for Mumbaikars but will transform the public transport space in terms of sustainability and footprint which is the need of the hour in India Mahesh Babu CEO Switch Mobility India COO Switch Mobility Ltd saidFeatures of the busThe Switch electric double decker can ferry nearly twice the number of seated passengers as a comparable single decker bus with just 1837 increase in kerb weight The architecture of the double decker uses a 650 V system the same platform as Switch EiV 12 launched in June 2022 which is also common with Switch e1With contemporary styling and feelgood interiors and exteriors the double decker boasts of wide front and rear doors two staircases and an emergency door complying with the latest safety standards The AC offers effective cooling in Indias hot climatic conditions while the optimized seating for 65 passengers is the maximum number of seats to be offered in the given footprintEach seat has a lightweight cushion and the interiors come with car like comfort for passenger convenience This stateoftheart electric double decker serves as an ideal solution for urban commuting as they occupy less road terminal and depot floor space per seated passengerPowering Switch EiV 22 is a 231 kWh capacity 2string liquid cooled higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with dual gun charging system This enables the electric double decker to have a range up to 250 kms for intra city applicationsSwitch India has already secured an order of 200 electric double decker buses in Mumbai and is looking at a dominant space in the electric double decker segment across key regions in the countryBus components are manufactured in India