Ashok-Leyland owned Switch Mobility launches EiV 12 electric bus
Electric vehicles are truly here, and the fact that we are slowly seeing their rise in the commercial segment is proof of that. Switch Mobility, an Ashok-Leyland owned subsidiary, has launched the EiV 12 electric bus in India. The EiV 12 electric bus is being offered in two different variants with customizable seating layouts — a Standard variant and a low-floor variant called the Ultra Low Entry.
Both variants of the EiV 12 are underpinned by a new platform designed exclusively for electric vehicles, and are nearly identical in terms of their specifications. The EiV 12 is powered by an electric motor placed on the rear axle which produces 315bhp and 3100Nm of peak power and torque. Backed by an unspecified battery pack which makes use of Lithium-ion NMC technology, Switch Mobility claims the EiV 12 can travel upto 300km on a single charge, and an additional 500km when charged by the dual-gun charger. This also supports 240kW of DC fast charging, which can top up the battery in 1 to 3.5 hours. Switch Mobility says that the EiV 12 Standard is aimed towards city and highway travel, while the EiV 12 Ultra Low Entry is meant primarily for city usage.
Both buses measure 12,000mm in length and 2600mm in width. However, at 3180mm, the EiV 12 Ultra Low Entry is shorter than the EiV 12 Standard, the height for which measures 3350mm. Interestingly, the EiV Ultra Low Entry has a longer wheelbase than the EiV 12 Standard, both measuring 6320mm and 6200mm respectively. The Standard gives you an option to choose between recliner and non-recliner seats, while the Ultra Low Entry comes only with fixed seats. The Standard also comes in a 40-45 seater configuration, while the Ultra Low Entry can be had in a 35-seater configuration.
Both buses are equipped with Switch Mobility’s Switch ion connectivity suite, which enables remote functions, along with vehicle status. Additional equipment includes Wifi connectivity, USB charging ports and an air purifying system.
Mahesh Babu, Director & CEO, Switch Mobility India, COO, Switch Mobility Ltd, said, “I am pleased to introduce Switch EiV 12 platform in India which is built on the experience of 50 million electric kms globally. The platform has a unique, advanced, global EV architecture to deliver superior efficiency, safety, and reliability. The products on this platform have been designed with cutting-edge technology to deliver delightful customer experience. I strongly believe that the Switch iON connected vehicle platform offers multiple solutions to our fleet operators to enhance the business value proposition. Our team is working actively to bring out multiple products as part of the Switch electric intelligent vehicle platform in the near future’’.
Switch Mobility did not disclose prices at the time of launch, but it did say that the base price of the electric bus is upto Rs 1 crore, which varies depending on the needs of the customer. The fact that we are now seeing electrification in the commercial segment is a great sign of things going in the right direction for the environment, thereby reducing their contribution to emission norms.
