Karnataka Govt launches 75 next-generation electric buses in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India (Urban Transport News): In a move to cater to the transportation needs of the people of Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai flagged off 75 next-generation Electric Buses in the city on August 14, 2022. The “Switch EiV 12 buses” have been manufactured and supplied by Switch Mobility Limited.

These electric buses are a part of the purchase of a large fleet of 300 electronic buses order placed by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The remaining buses will be introduced eventually in a phased manner. With this new and advanced technology, buses will play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of the city.

SWITCH EiV 12 features customer-centric offerings on technology and passenger comfort, while being contemporary and futuristic. EiV 12 delivers exceptional drive performance and efficiency and is embedded with proprietary, connected technology solutions, ‘Switch iON’, enabling remote, real-time diagnostics and monitoring services, as well as world-class digital battery management tools. The EV architecture of EiV platform is common with the recently launched European Switch e1 bus.

“In order to cater to these needs, Switch India launched the Switch EiV 12 platform in June 2022 and today we are delighted to begin initial deliveries of our Switch EiV buses to BMTC as part of our 300-strong electric bus order,” said Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Switch India and Chief Operating Officer of Switch Mobility Ltd.

The Switch EiV range of buses has been uniquely configured to meet customer requirements of varied applications like intra-city, inter-city, staff, school and tarmac, offering maximum passenger capacity and comfort. The buses are also equipped with a new generation of highly efficient, modular batteries with advanced lithium-ion NMC chemistry, specially formulated for the Indian market and climatic conditions.

The modular batteries increase the capacity per battery cell for the same weight, enabling a higher range of kilometers – up to 300 km/day with a single charge, and up to 500 km/day with dual gun fast charging. The electric drivetrains and batteries are calibrated to ensure superior efficiency with long battery life, delivering a lower total cost of ownership in the market. Maintenance of this ultra-modern E-Bus can be carried out quickly and effortlessly.