Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, will provide Switch EiV12 model buses to OHM. In return, OHM will operate and maintain these buses for a duration of 12 years.
Ashok Leyland’s subsidiary focused on electric mobility, OHM Global Mobility, has recently secured a significant order to supply 500 ultra-low floor electric buses to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) in Chennai. These 12-meter-long vehicles, each capable of seating 37 passengers and accommodating an additional 24 standing commuters, are designed to travel over 200 kilometres on a single charge. Under the arrangement, Switch Mobility, another affiliate of Ashok Leyland, will provide the Switch EiV12 model buses to OHM Global Mobility. In turn, OHM is tasked with the operation and maintenance of these buses for a period of 12 years, as stipulated in the contract with MTC. Of the total buses ordered, 400 will be standard non-air-conditioned models, while the remaining 100 will feature air conditioning.
Shenu Agarwal, the Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland stated that the recent order underscores the company’s dedication to providing technologically advanced and efficient public transportation solutions. Agarwal explained that the Switch EiV12 buses are leading the way in incorporating state-of-the-art technology with reliability and comfort, making them ideal for contemporary urban transit requirements. He also added that Switch Mobility currently operates over 950 vehicles and, with this new order, now has a substantial order book of over 2,000 vehicles. The Switch EiV12 buses are designed with a robust 650V electric system and include IP67-rated batteries to improve both their durability and safety.
To support efficient bus operations, MTC plans to develop charging infrastructure at six strategic depot locations across the city, including Perumbur, Perumbakam, Poonamalle, Vyasapandi, Thondiapet, and KK Nagar. These facilities are intended to minimize operational downtime and ensure consistent service availability throughout Chennai.
