Ashok Leyland's SWITCH Mobility Enters Europe with New Electric Buses

SWITCH Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland under the Hinduja Group, has unveiled its newest electric city bus platforms: the EiV12 for the Indian market and the E1 for Europe. These launches signify a leap forward in sustainable urban mobility, with cutting-edge technology and designs tailored for their respective markets.

EiV12: Purpose-Built for Urban Indian Commutes

The EiV12 is specifically designed to cater to Indian city transport needs. This low-floor electric bus accommodates up to 39 passengers and includes a kneeling function for easy boarding, especially for elders and differently-abled passengers. Additional safety measures, such as five cameras providing 360-degree surveillance, enhance passenger security, including a focus on women’s safety.

India's First Low-Floor Battery System

The EiV12 introduces India’s first low-floor chassis-mounted battery system, scalable up to 400+ kWh. This innovative design enhances stability, safety, and passenger comfort. Developed with an investment of ₹100 crore, the bus embodies SWITCH Mobility’s commitment to reliability and durability, having undergone over 1.2 million kilometers of testing.

European Market Foray with the E1

In a simultaneous virtual event, SWITCH Mobility introduced the E1 electric bus for the European market. Sharing common architecture with the EiV12, the E1 aligns with global standards for efficiency, comfort, and technology. The company delivered two E1 buses to Peñíscola City, Spain, marking SWITCH’s first step into Europe. Plans are also underway to expand into GCC countries, with Mauritius set to receive 100 buses.

Union Minister Highlights India’s Sustainability Goals

The EiV12 was inaugurated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, who praised the initiative for its alignment with India’s sustainable mobility objectives. The bus is expected to significantly contribute to the growing demand for electric city transportation.

Overwhelming Market Response for EiV12

SWITCH Mobility has already secured over 1,700 orders for the EiV12 from major Indian cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Deliveries are set to commence soon, with a timeline of 10-12 months for order fulfillment.

Commitment to EV Technology and R&D

SWITCH Mobility’s focus on innovation is evident in its $10-15 million investment plan for the E1 platform in Europe. With over 350 engineers in its R&D team, the company is dedicated to designing buses that meet global standards for durability and uptime. Currently, SWITCH buses achieve an impressive 98-99% uptime on the road.

Electric Bus Market Growth and Future Goals

The Indian electric bus market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 21% by 2030, with EV penetration expected to reach 70%. SWITCH Mobility aims to capture a significant share of this market with its purpose-built EiV12, which combines sustainability, safety, and passenger comfort.