India continues with its rapid transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Having embraced electric two-wheelers, 4-wheel passenger cars, and even commercial vehicles, the country has now welcomed its first double decker electric bus called Switch EiV 22.
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Designed, developed and manufactured in India by Ashok Leyland subsidiary Switch Mobility by utilizing its global electric bus experience, the EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features. The electric double decker bus is designed to revolutionize public transportation in India and is expected to set new standards in the intra-city bus market.
The Switch EiV 22 is said to be a significant achievement in terms of packaging, as its the world’s first standard floor, air-conditioned, electric double decker with a wider door on the rear overhang and a rear staircase. 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.
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Powering the Switch EiV 22 is a 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid-cooled, higher density NMC battery pack with a dual gun charging system. This enables the electric double decker to have a range of up to 250 km for intra-city applications. The electric bus features a powertrain supplied by Dana with the battery pack assembled at the company’s plant. The battery cells meanwhile have been sourced from China.
The Switch electric double decker can accommodate 65 passengers, which is nearly twice the number of seated passengers as a comparable single decker bus with just an 18% increase in kerb weight. Switch 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 country.
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According to Mahesh Babu, the CEO of Switch Mobility India, these buses would be operated out of two depots – Kurla and Colaba – with the first units to be delivered by the last quarter of FY2023. Speaking on the vehicle’s operations he added that the chargers will be deployed at the aforementioned two depots and will be used exclusively for the buses.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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