Mumbai, February 13, 2022: SWITCH Mobility has delivered the first set of electric double-decker buses to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) in Mumbai. The SWITCH EiV 22 is India’s first electric double-decker air-conditioned bus, designed, developed, and manufactured in India. It’s equipped with the latest technology and safety features, as well as best-in-class comfort for passengers. The lightweight aluminum body construction and advanced architecture of the electric double-decker allows for nearly twice the number of seated passengers compared to a single-decker bus with only 18% increase in kerb weight.
Additionally, the electric double-decker is powered by a high-capacity battery pack with a dual gun charging system, providing a range of up to 250 km for intra-city applications. The bus is fitted with live tracking devices, CCTV cameras, and a panic button for women’s safety, and it is 100% digital with a “tap-in tap-out” facility.
The deployment of these electric double-decker buses in Mumbai will provide a world-class travel experience for Mumbaikars and help reduce air pollution in the city.
Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer – Switch Mobility Ltd, said, ‘’SWITCH is committed to its vision of democratizing zero carbon mobility, through innovative, technologically advanced products like the SWITCH EiV 22, India’s first electric double decker that was launched in August 2022. Today, we are delighted and proud to deliver the first of the 200 electric double deckers to BEST. The SWITCH EiV 22 will carry forward the legacy of double deckers in Mumbai, in this decade and beyond, and further enhance the sustainable footprint that BEST has embarked upon in recent times. With superior customer comfort 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’’.
Lokesh Chandra, General Manager – Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport, said ‘’It’s a historic moment for BEST to induct India’s first AC, electric double decker bus in its fleet. Fulfilling the vision of green and clean mobility of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modiji, procurement of these buses is done under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP). Under the guidance of Hon’ble CM Shri Eknath Shindeji and Hon’ble DCM Shri Devendra Fadanvisji 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. Fitted with live tracking devices, CCTV cameras and panic button for women safety, these buses will be 100% digital with ‘Tap-in Tap-out’ facility and will run on 100% green (solar energy)’’.
