India's first electric double-decker air-conditioned bus unveiled in Mumbai

Switch EiV 22: Switch Mobility Ltd on Thursday unveiled India’s first and unique electric double-decker air-conditioned bus - Switch EiV 22 - in Mumbai. The bus is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety, and best-in-class comfort features, the company said. 

The renewed iconic double-decker bus is designed to revolutionize public transportation in the country and will set new standards in the intra-city bus market.

The electric double-decker AC bus EiV22 is powered by a 231-kWh capacity battery pack with dual gun charging system, which allows the bus to have a range up to 250 kms for intra-city transport, according to the company.

The electric bus features contemporary styling and feel-good interiors and exteriors. The double-decker is equipped with wide front and rear doors, two staircases and an emergency door that complies with the latest safety standards.

Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari said that there is a need to transform the country’s transport system from a long-term perspective. With focus on reforming urban transport, "we are trying to build a low footprint and high passenger density integrated EV mobility ecosystem". 

He said that the government’s vision and policies are supportive towards EV adoption with growing consumer demand for greener solutions. "I would like to congratulate Switch Mobility, 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.”

Switch Mobility chairman Dheeraj Hinduja, said that 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 and look forward to introducing newer Electric products for the Indian and European markets, always keeping the customers at the forefront,” Hinduja said.

Switch India has already secured an order of 200 electric double-decker buses in Mumbai and is looking at a dominant space in the electric double decker segment, across key regions in the country.