Delhi will get a first look at Switch Mobility’s EiV22 double-decker electric bus that will soon ply on Mumbai roads.
- Electric double-decker to be shown at Auto Expo 2023
- Has a 231kWh battery, claimed range of 250km
- Will go in service with Mumbai’s BEST fleet this year
India’s first electric double-decker bus: how unique is it?
While there are quite a few single-decker electric buses in service in many parts of the country, the Switch EiV22 is the first double-decker. It gets a 231kWh battery and the manufacturer is claiming a range of up to 250km. However, sources tell us that the bus would have a real-world range of around 180km. The bus can gain a range of 100km with just a 45min charge, while a full charge takes 80 minutes.
The bus uses a Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NMC) battery that comes with an 8-year warranty. To ensure the battery’s safety, it gets functions like a remote intervention – where Switch Mobility monitors the battery temperature remotely and informs the driver if they notice any discrepancy – and fire detection and suppression, which uses inert gases to put out any fire.
India’s first electric double-decker bus: seating and other details
The bus has a seating capacity of 65 with two entry/exit points, and a longer rear overhang compared to conventional diesel-powered buses. It has a lightweight aluminium body, which helps it save weight saving and eke out more range. Like most other electric buses, the Switch EiV22 double-decker bus also features a fully air-conditioned cabin.
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