Switch launches EiV 12 next-gen e-bus for India

Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Switch Mobility Ltd., (left), and Mahesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer, Switch Mobility Ltd. and Chief Executive Officer of Switch Mobility, India, at the launch event in Chennai

Switch Mobility, the next-gen net zero carbon electric bus and light commercial vehicle manufacturer, launched the Switch EiV 12 fully electric bus, designed for the Indian market. The next-generation eBus was launched in Chennai, in the presence of Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility Ltd., and Mahesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer of Switch Mobility Ltd. and Chief Executive Officer of Switch Mobility, India.

“We at Switch, are focused on bringing sustainable and innovative products and solutions for the market. Our product philosophy is built on achieving the lowest total cost of ownership. In India the steps taken by the Government will help the commercial vehicle industry very much. We are very confident that Switch is perfectly poised to take on the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles in India and around the world”, shared Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility Ltd., during the launch event.

From left, Oliver Ballhatchet, Dy. British High Commissioner, Dheeraj Hinduja, Mahesh Babu, V. Sumantran, Independent Director, Switch Mobility, and Gopal Mahadevan, Whole Time Director and CFO, Ashok Leyland

SWITCH launched two variations of the eBus, the EiV 12 Ultra Low entry for Intra-City, Tarmac & Staff and the EiV 12 Standard for Inter-City, Schools and Staff. The next-gen eBuses delivers exceptional drive performance and efficiency and is embedded with proprietary technology solutions including ‘Switch iON’ to enable remote, real-time diagnostics and monitoring, as well as world-class digital battery management tools. The EiV 12 delivers more than 100+ embedded connectivity features for authorities and operators to analyse and improve efficiency.

Both the versions of the eBus features an advanced lithium-ion NMC chemistry with modular battery options, with a range of 300 kms on a single charge and up to 500 kms/day with a dual charging gun. The Advanced cycle life and unique double gun provides charging up to 240kW leading to <1 hour of DC fast charging. The passenger focused environment provides the latest air conditioning system and air purifiers to deliver a comfortable environment in all conditions, interior features such as USB charging, WiFi, reading lights and comfort seats with a recliner function ensure customers travel in comfort and ultra-low floor option that enables easy ingress and egress for all occupants.

The SWITCH EiV range of buses have been configured to meet customer requirements of varied applications like intracity, intercity, staff, school and tarmac, offering maximum passenger capacity and comfort. “Today’s launch is one of many that we foresee. And in the coming months we plan to launch our LCV range for the Indian market”, added Mr. Hinduja.

“The electric bus market is set to double this FY. Our prediction is that over the course of the next five years, the electric bus market in India is set to grow 10 times! Our goal is to make the common-man utilise electric mobility in his public transportation”, shares Mahesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer of Switch Mobility Ltd. “To deliver our vision, we have developed the EiV 12, which is intelligent, electric with customer centric features and set to transform public mobility. Our battery systems are 30% lighter, with 8+ years of life and can be operated at -5 degree to 55 degree Celsius”, he added.

The current range of Switch EV buses in India have had an uptime of over 98% consistently throughout the last few years, which is a testimony to Switch’s product performance in terms of reliability and durability. “We wish to bring in car-like comfort through the EiV 12, so the customers can transition to public mobility from private mobility”, shared Mr. Babu. The EiV 12 is surely a signal that the future of mobility has reached our shores and is set to transform our market rapidly.