India’s first electric double-decker bus ‘Switch EiV 22’

August 20, 2022

Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari recently launched India’s first AC double-decker electric bus named ‘Switch EiV 22’ developed by Ashok Leyland in Mumbai.

About the Bus

The bus can gain a 100km of range with just a 45min charge, while a full charge takes 80 minutes and has a Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NMC) battery that comes with an 8-year warranty.
The ‘Switch EiV 22’ can ferry nearly twice the number of seated passengers as compared to a single-decker bus, with just 18% increase in kerb weight (without the passengers).
The electric bus has contemporary styling with feel-good interiors and exteriors. With wide front and rear doors, two staircases and an emergency door, the bus boats of the latest safety standards.
This electric double decker serves as an ideal solution for urban commuting, as they occupy less road, terminal and depot floor space per seated passenger.

Target

Ashok Leyland plans to deliver 200 air-conditioned units to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), starting from December.

Way Forward

In India, electric buses in future will have a big leap in mass public transport. It would support the government initiative of reducing fuel import bill. Besides, it will help to curb air pollution as these buses have zero tailpipe emissions and lower noise pollution.
35% of pollution in the country is due to diesel and petrol. So it is high time for India to start using alternative fuels like electricity, ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, bio-CNG, bio-LNG and green hydrogen for automobile sector”.

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