Switch Mobility unveils electric double-decker bus for Indian market

Electric bus and commercial vehicle builder Switch Mobility has unveiled a new electric double-decker, air-conditioned bus designed, developed and manufactured in India specifically for the Indian market.

Switch says its EiV 22 is equipped with “the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features.” It can carry 65 passengers—nearly twice the number of seated passengers as a comparable single-decker bus with just an 18% increase in curb weight, according to Switch.

The EiV 22 bus uses a 650 V architecture, and the same platform as the Switch EiV 12, which the company launched in June. Its battery pack features a capacity of 231 kWh, liquid cooling, NMC chemistry, and a “dual-gun” charging system. It boasts a range of up to 250 km.

Bus components are manufactured in India, and Switch says it has already secured an order for 200 of the electric double-decker buses in Mumbai.

“It’s an extremely proud moment for us as we bring back the iconic double-decker to India,” said Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility. “Ashok Leyland was a pioneer among Indian manufacturers when it first launched the double-decker in 1967 in Mumbai. 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 bring this icon back to life.” 

“As a carbon-neutral mobility company, Switch is focused on delivering innovative solutions to help authorities and operators decarbonize their public transport systems,” said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Switch Mobility. “The Switch EiV 22 is our latest innovation, and builds on our expertise in the electric double-decker segment to deliver a product with class-leading efficiency for the Indian market.”

“The Switch EiV 22 is designed and developed to meet Indian conditions, while at the same time provide superior customer comfort and delight,” said Mr. Mahesh Babu, CEO of Switch Mobility India. “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.”

Source: Switch Mobility

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