Mumbai: India’s first electric Double-decker bus unveiled by Nitin Gadkari
18 Aug 2022 17:54:03
Mumbai, August 18: Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday, unveiled India's first electric double decker air conditioned (AC) bus in Mumbai - Switch EiV 22. Gadkari said the government was trying to build low footprint and a high passenger density integrated EV mobility ecosystem.
The length of the electric double-decker ranges between 10.5 metre & 11.1 metre, is powered by a 250kW electric motor having a range of up to 250 km on a single charge. BEST, Mumbai, which is also the oldest bus operator of double decker buses in India, has ordered 200 such double decker buses.
The double-decker bus is equipped with wide front and rear doors, 2 staircases and an emergency door.
"Switch EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features. The renewed iconic double decker bus is designed to revolutionize public transportation in the country and will set new standards in the intra-city bus market," stated the company.
BEST awarded a contract to a private company for supply of 900 electric buses in phases. Of these, 50% of buses are expected to be delivered by March 2023 and remaining 50% thereafter.
It is part of BEST's plans to launch premium app-based public transport in Mumbai. Passengers will have to book their seats through mobile appls and they might have to shell out more fares compared to the conventional buses for this premium service.
The bus has been made by Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland. Apart from Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadanvis attended the event.
The bus will join fleet of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). CCTV cameras have been installed in the bus as a security measure.
The length of the electric double-decker ranges between 10.5 metre & 11.1 metre, is powered by a 250kW electric motor having a range of up to 250 km on a single charge. BEST, Mumbai, which is also the oldest bus operator of double decker buses in India, has ordered 200 such double decker buses.
Gadkari also said that 500 such buses will be on the roads by 2023. These buses, with a seating capacity for 65 passengers, will replace existing double-decker fleet of the BEST. As of now, Switch is operating its twin-floor electric AC buses in UK.
"Switch EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features. The renewed iconic double decker bus is designed to revolutionize public transportation in the country and will set new standards in the intra-city bus market," stated the company.
BEST awarded a contract to a private company for supply of 900 electric buses in phases. Of these, 50% of buses are expected to be delivered by March 2023 and remaining 50% thereafter.
It is part of BEST's plans to launch premium app-based public transport in Mumbai. Passengers will have to book their seats through mobile appls and they might have to shell out more fares compared to the conventional buses for this premium service.