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Ashok Leyland's subsidiary Switch Mobility launches electric double decker bus in India.
The electric double decker bus, Switch EiV 22, offers a range up to 250 km and has seating capacity for 65 passengers.
Ashok Leyland’s subsidiary and electric bus maker Switch Mobility today unveiled India’s first and unique electric double decker air-conditioned bus - Switch EiV 22. Switch Mobility secured an order of 200 electric double decker buses from BEST, Mumbai.
Switch EiV 22 is designed, developed, and manufactured in India. It is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety, and best-in-class comfort features.
Switch EiV 22 has a 231 kWh battery which offers a range up to 250 km. The double decker has a lightweight aluminium body construction, which offers a higher passenger-to-weight ratio and a competitive cost per km per passenger.
The Switch electric double decker can carry nearly twice the number of seated passengers as a comparable single decker bus with just an 18% increase in kerb weight. The architecture of the double decker uses a 650 V system - the same platform as Switch EiV 12.
With contemporary styling and feel-good interiors and exteriors, the double decker boasts wide front and rear doors, two staircases, and an emergency door complying with the latest safety standards.
The AC offers effective cooling in India’s hot climatic conditions, while the optimized seating for 65 passengers is the maximum number of seats to be offered in the given footprint.
Each seat has a lightweight cushion and the interiors come with a car-like comfort for passenger convenience. This state-of-the-art electric double decker serves as an ideal solution for urban commuting, as they occupy less road, terminal, and depot floor space per seated passenger.
Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Shri. Nitin Gadkari was present at the launch event. He said: There is a need to transform the country’s transport system from a long-term perspective. With a focus on reforming urban transport, we are trying to build a low footprint and high passenger density integrated EV mobility ecosystem. The government’s vision and policies are supportive towards EV adoption with growing consumer demand for greener solutions. I would like to congratulate Switch Mobility, a 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 large.
Talking about the brand’s entry into the EV double decker space for the Indian market, Mr. Mahesh Babu, CEO of Switch Mobility India, COO – Switch Mobility Ltd, said: We are pleased to unveil the Switch EiV 22, India’s first and unique electric double decker. We have strived to meet multiple challenges to fulfil new-age customer requirements while retaining the iconic double decker lineage. The 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.
Also Read: Ola Electric car to arrive in 2024 with over 500km range.