Mumbai: BEST Unveils India's First EV Double Decker AC Bus - Check It's Features Here

In a one-of-its-kind, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) today, August 18, unveiled its first electric double-decker bus at Y B Chavan Centre in south Mumbai.

The double-decker bus, which was inaugurated by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, called Switch EiV 22 will be run by BEST from September.

Ushering Sustainable Revolution!

It gives me immense pleasure to launch the Ashok Leyland's Electric Double Decker Bus in Mumbai today. pic.twitter.com/lTP4Jhosb0

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 18, 2022

While addressing at the launch event, Gadkari said: “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. Government's vision and policies are supportive towards EV adoption with growing consumer demand for greener solutions. Switch Mobility, subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has revived the double-decker and remained committed to introducing new technologies for the benefit of passengers."

The renewed iconic bus is designed to revolutionise public transportation in the city. It will also set new standards in the intra-city bus market, said an official. 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.

Currently, the BEST has around 3580 buses, including 45 non-AC double-deckers. 

Here are its features:

• These buses will be equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features.
• It will provide a carrying capacity of 78-90 per bus.
• The electric double decker can ferry nearly twice the number of seated passengers as a comparable single decker bus with just 18% increase in kerb weight.
• The architecture of the double decker uses a 650 V system
• The bus will have two staircases instead of the single one in the existing double decker.
• With this, it will ensure smooth movement of passengers while boarding or alighting from the bus.
• The buses will be noiseless, electric and air-conditioned, which will not just augment the carrying capacity but will also provide comfortable rides.
• In addition, it will have charging points for commuters.
• Around 250 AC double-decker, e-buses are likely to hit the city roads by the end of this year. 
• The first premium bus service will likely be introduced between south Mumbai and Navi Mumbai by mid of September.
• 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 seated passenger.

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.