SWITCH Mobility Limited delivered the first batch of SWITCH EIV 22 vehicles to BEST, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport in Mumbai. This initial shipment is part of BEST’s purchase of 200 electric double-decker buses. BEST has operated double-decker buses more frequently than any other company in India for more than 70 years.
EiV 22 is India’s first and only electric double-decker air-conditioned bus that has been designed, developed and manufactured in India using the company’s global electric bus experience. The Switch EIV 22 is equipped with latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest security and best-in-class comfort features.
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Mr. Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility Ltd. said, “Switch remains committed to its vision of democratizing zero-carbon mobility through innovative, technologically advanced products such as the Switch EIV 22, India’s first electric double decker . Launched in August 2022. Today we are happy and proud to deliver the first of 200 electric double-deckers to BEST. SWITCH EIV 22 will carry forward the legacy of Double Decker in Mumbai through this decade and beyond, and will further enhance the sustainable footprint started by BEST in the recent past. With enhanced customer convenience and customer delight, we are certain that Switch EIV 22 will transform public transport in Mumbai, and bring back many iconic, fond memories for Mumbaikars.
Mr. Lokesh Chandra, General Manager, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport said, “It is a historic moment for BEST to add India’s first AC, electric double decker bus to its fleet. Fulfilling the vision of green and clean mobility of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, these buses are procured under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). Under the guidance of Hon’ble CM Shri Eknath Shindeji and Hon’ble DCM Shri Devendra Fadnavisji to make public bus transport in Mumbai at par with global standards, these electric double decker AC buses will provide world class travel experience to Mumbaikars. Equipped with live tracking devices, CCTV cameras and panic buttons for women’s safety, these buses will be 100% digital with ‘tap-in tap-out’ facility and will run on 100% green (solar energy).
The Switch Electric double-decker features a lightweight aluminum body construction with advanced architecture and can seat almost double the number of passengers as a comparable single-decker bus with only an 18% increase in weight.
With contemporary styling and feel-good interiors and exteriors, the electric double-decker features wide front and rear doors, two stairs and an emergency door complying with the latest safety standards.
The AC provides effective cooling in the hot climatic conditions of India while the optimized seating for 65 passengers is the maximum number of seats it can offer in a given footprint. Each seat is lightly cushioned and the interiors offer car-like comfort for passenger convenience. This state-of-the-art electric double-decker serves as an ideal solution for urban commuting, as they occupy less road, terminal and depot floor space per passenger.
Powering Switch The EiV 22 is a 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid-cooled, high-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.