Switch Mobility to launch India’s first EV double-decker bus with a light aluminium framework

On August 18, the innovative, carbon-neutral electric bus and lightweight automobile brand Switch Mobility has revealed India’s first electric double-decker bus, called Switch EiV 22. The bus features a lightweight aluminium outer body shell that downsizes the actual weightage of the bus, keeping it in complete proportion with the passenger ratio. This is also the world’s first semi-low floor; air ventilation equipped electric double-decker vehicle with a broader door on a rear overhang and a rear staircase. 

Switch EiV 22 has an 18 per cent increased kerb weight than any other conventional bus but can bear almost twice the number of seated passengers. Switch EiV 22 uses the blueprint of the double-decker released in June 2022, named EiV 12, which also applies the 650 V systems as the standard model Switch e1. 

Aluminium is lighter than steel and is corrosion resistant, making it an essential choice for the automotive industry. With more and more companies shifting towards sustainability, vehicle makers are using this infinitely recyclable non-ferrous metal that can be manipulated into any given shape.   

A 231 kWh capacity, liquid-cooled, higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with dual gun charging system supply power to the Switch EiV 22 bus. This allows the electric double-decker to travel uninterrupted for 250 km within the vicinity of the home-ground. 

The global recognition for the brand is being finally utilised to develop and manufacture Switch EiV 22 double-decker buses in India, focusing on highly modern design, latest technology, immense safety and high-end cosy characteristics. This newly designed double-decker bus might rejuvenate the mode of public transportation in the sub-continent, marking life-changing innovations in the intra-city bus sector. 

The Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, elaborated on the situation saying: “There is a need to transform the country’s transport system from a long-term perspective. With a focus on reforming urban transport, we are trying to build a low footprint and high passenger density integrated EV mobility ecosystem. Government’s vision and policies are supportive towards EV adoption with growing consumer demand for greener solutions. I would like to congratulate Switch Mobility, subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, for being the one to revive the double-decker and remain committed to introducing new technologies for the benefit of passengers and society at large.”

Excited about the launch, the Chairman of Switch Mobility, Dheeraj Hinduja, commented: “It’s an extremely proud moment for us as we bring back the iconic double-decker to India. Ashok Leyland was a pioneer among Indian manufacturers when it first launched the double-decker in 1967 in Mumbai, and Switch is carrying forward that legacy.”

The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Switch Mobility, Andy Palmer, drew a picture of the company’s future plans: “As a carbon neutral mobility company, Switch is focused on delivering innovative solutions to help authorities and operators decarbonise their public transport systems. The Switch EiV 22 is the latest such innovation and builds on our expertise within the electric double-decker segment to deliver a product with class-leading efficiency for the Indian market. With our Switch EiV 22 and Metrodecker buses, we are now well positioned to address the global double-decker market and support cities in meeting their net-zero targets.”

Commemorating the brand’s entry into the EV double-decker market of India, the CEO or COO of Switch Mobility exclaimed: “The Switch EiV 22 is designed and developed to meet Indian conditions while at the same time provide superior customer comfort and delight. 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.”

The bus has been optimised to suit the Indian weather conditions with an AC so effective that it can provide utmost comfort in the scorching hot zones. Moreover, the seating arena offers a space for 65 regular passengers, which is the greatest among its contenders. Each seat has lightweight cushion support, and the interior of the bus resembles that of a car so that the passenger experiences luxury treatment. 

These Switch EiV 22 buses have been destined to become perfect road companions for urban commuters as they require less road space, terminal area and depot floor space per seated person. The lightweight aluminium body of the bus also provides a higher passenger-to-weight ratio and offers a competitive price per km for each passenger. 

Switch India has already received a purchase order for 200 electric buses only in Mumbai, and the brand is eager to expand its business avenues all around the country, pinpointing the primary demanding locations. 

The brand can acquire FAME II compliance as all its buses designated for India would contain components manufactured indigenously in the country.