Switch mobility India has just revealed India’s First electric double-decker air-conditioned bus Switch EiV 22. Switch Mobility Ltd is a carbon-neutral electric bus and light commercial vehicle company. The Switch EiV 22 is designed, developed, and manufactured in India. Switch EiV 22 comes with a 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid-cooled, higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with a dual gun charging system. While the range is up to 250 kms for intra-city applications. The company has already grabbed the order of 200 electric double-deckers in Mumbai. Being ideal for urban commuting the components of this bus are manufactured in India and matches FAME II compliance.
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As per the company, this new double-decker electric bus is equipped with the latest technology, modern design, highest safety, and best-in-class comfort and is based on 650 V system. The bus is designed to change and upgrade the public transport of India and provide standard intra-city rides. The Switch EiV 22 comes with air-conditioning as standard. The bus comes with a wide door on the rear overhang, a rear staircase, and emergency doors. The body of this bus is made from lightweight aluminum construction which provides a higher passenger-to-weight ratio and a competitive cost per km, per passenger. It can carry twice the passenger as the single-decker with 18% more kerb weight. There are 65 seats available on the bus and each comes with a lightweight cushion and provides car-like comfort
Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, commented, “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.”
Ashok Hinduja, Chairman – Hinduja Group of Companies (India), said, “Launching 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 double-decker bus will deliver a cleaner and more sustainable future, reinforcing our commitment for India and the globe.”
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman – Switch Mobility, said, “It’s an extremely proud moment for us as we bring back the iconic double-decker to India. Ashok 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 reinforce our commitment to creating this form factor for India and the globe.”
Mahesh Babu, CEO of Switch Mobility India, and COO – Switch Mobility Ltd, added, “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 fulfill 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.”