Switch Unveils India’s First Electric Double-Decker Bus

Renowned and acclaimed next-gen electric bus and light commercial vehicle manufacturer, Switch Mobility Ltd (Switch) unveils India’s first electric double-decker air-conditioned bus- Switch EiV 22. The bus has been designed and engineered to offer the best comfort. It comes equipped with the latest technology, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features. The brand believes it will revolutionize public transportation in the country and will set new standards in the intra-urban bus market.

The Switch EiV 22 electric double-decker bus is indeed a great achievement in terms of packaging. It is the world’s first standard floor-based, air-conditioned electric double-decker bus with a wider door on the rear overhang as well as in the rear staircase. Further, the vehicle is constructed on a lightweight aluminium body which will surely offer a higher passenger-to-weight ratio and fuel efficiency. 

Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, said, “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. The government’s vision and policies are supportive of EV adoption with growing consumer demand for greener solutions. 

I would like to congratulate Switch Mobility, a 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.”

Mr. Ashok Hinduja, Chairman-Hinduja Group of Companies (India) commenting on the launch, said, “Launching the Switch EiV 22 in Mumbai today is a proud moment for the Hinduja Group. The Group has a clear vision to support economies in delivering their net zero objectives through renewable energy, finance and zero-emission transportation. We are confident that our new zero-emission double-decker bus will deliver a cleaner and more sustainable future, reinforcing our commitment to India and the globe.”

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility, said, “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 but also reinforce our commitment to creating this form factor for India and the globe.” 

Talking about the brand’s entry into the EV double-decker space for the Indian market, Mr. Mahesh Babu, CEO-Switch Mobility India, COO of 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 providing 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.”      

Furthermore, the Switch EiV 22 is powered by a 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid-cooled, higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with a dual gun charging system. This enables the electric double decker to have a range of up to 250 km for intra-city applications.

Switch India has already secured an order of 200 electric double-decker buses in Mumbai and is looking forward to dominating the sector with the electric double-decker bus, across key regions in the country.

Thus, this was all about India’s First Electric Double-Decker Bus. Tell us what you think in the comment section below.