Switch Mobility unveils India’s first electric double-deck bus
Switch Mobility has unveiled its electric double-deck Switch EiV 22 which has been designed, developed and manufactured in India for the local market.
Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman – Switch Mobility, says: “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. 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 not only bring back this icon to life and look forward to introducing newer electric products for the Indian and European markets, always keeping the customers at the forefront.”
Andy Palmer, executive vice chairman and CEO – Switch Mobility, adds: “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 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.”
Talking about the brand’s entry into the EV double-decker space for the Indian market, Mr. Mahesh Babu, CEO – Switch Mobility India, COO – Switch Mobility Ltd, said, “We are pleased to unveil the Switch EiV 22, India’s first and unique electric double-decker. We have strived to meet multiple challenges to fulfil new age customer requirements, while retaining the iconic double-decker lineage. 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 new double-deck uses a 650V system – the same platform as Switch EiV 12 which was launched in June 2022, and is also common with the Switch e1.
Powering Switch EiV 22 is a 231kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid cooled, NMC battery pack with dual charging system. This enables the bus to have a range up to 250km for intra city applications, according to Switch.
Switch India says that it has already secured an order for 200 electric double-deck buses in Mumbai.