Switch Mobility has launched two new low-floor electric city buses: the EiV12 for India and the E1 for Europe. These buses are designed to transform urban mobility and promote sustainable transportation in their respective markets.
Switch Mobility Ltd, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, recently introduced two new electric city buses aimed at enhancing urban mobility solutions across India, Europe, and the GCC regions. The company launched the EiV12 for the Indian market and the E1 for the European market, showcasing a commitment to expanding sustainable transportation solutions.
The Switch EiV12, a groundbreaking low-floor city bus, is specially tailored for urban commuting in India. It is notable for its chassis-mounted batteries, which offer a scalable battery capacity of over 400 kWh, a first for Indian low-floor city buses. The EiV12 was officially launched by Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, in an event attended by Ashok P. Hinduja, the Chairman of the Hinduja Group, alongside other prominent figures and industry leaders.
In contrast, the Switch E1 was launched virtually and is engineered to meet the demands of the European market. Despite differing regional focuses, both models share similar design philosophies and electric vehicle architecture.
Manufactured in India, the EiV12 adheres to global standards in terms of performance, safety, reliability, and passenger comfort and can accommodate up to 39 passengers. Its design optimizes operational efficiency for fleet operators and supports the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, reflecting the country’s push towards zero carbon emissions and high technology standards in infrastructure.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility, highlighted that the launch of the EiV12 and the E1 marks a significant achievement for the Hinduja Group and Ashok Leyland, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to sustainable mobility. This sentiment was echoed by Mahesh Babu, CEO of Switch Mobility, who noted the strong market reception to the EiV12, with over 1,800 orders already placed, underscoring confidence in the company’s vision for sustainable urban transport.
The Indian electric city bus market is poised for significant growth, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 21% leading up to 2030 and electric vehicle penetration predicted to reach 70%. By then, the total fleet of electric city buses is anticipated to exceed 70,000 units.
The EiV12 is equipped with several advanced features for enhanced passenger comfort, safety, and accessibility. It includes a low-floor entry with a kneeling mechanism, an automated wheelchair ramp, dedicated spaces for differently-abled passengers, five CCTV cameras for safety, designated seats for women, and a panoramic glass area to improve visibility and interior lighting. The bus also incorporates the proprietary Switch iON telematics system, which enables real-time vehicle health monitoring and integrated fleet management.
The Switch E1 caters to European standards with lightweight monocoque construction and in-wheel motors, featuring a flat gangway layout and a triple-door configuration to accommodate up to 93 passengers, including standees, aiming to redefine public transportation standards in urban European settings.
