Switch Mobility, subsidiary of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, and a manufacturer of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, today unveiled its contemporary electric bus platform Switch EiV12 – the low floor electric city bus for the Indian market. It is India’s First Low-Floor City Bus with Chassis-mounted batteries, featuring a scalable battery capacity of over 400+ kWh.
Switch E1, engineered for the European Market, was flagged off virtually. Both these buses share common design philosophies and EV architecture.
The purpose-built Switch EiV12 platform is indigenously designed, developed and manufactured for urban city commutes, offering global standards in performance, safety, reliability, and comfort. With seating for up to 39 passengers, the Switch EiV12 leads its segment, offering maximum revenue potential for operators.
Commenting on these product launches, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility, said, "The launch of the Switch EiV12 and the flagging off of the Switch E1 for Spain is a proud milestone for the Hinduja Group and Ashok Leyland, underscoring our commitment to sustainable mobility. In addition to the EiV12 and E1, Switch is developing a range of new products to expand our global offerings."
The India electric city bus market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21 per cent by 2030 with an EV penetration of 70 per cent. The total parc for electric city buses is likely to cross 70,000 units by 2030.
Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility, added, “ These innovations harness cutting-edge EV technology to deliver superior efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort. Our low-floor electric city bus, designed for optimal energy performance and accessibility, has garnered an overwhelming 1,800 orders—proof of the market's confidence in Switch Mobility’s vision for a sustainable urban transport future.”
Its low-floor entry with a kneeling mechanism ensures easy ingress and egress, while the automated wheelchair ramp and dedicated spaces make it accessible for differently abled passengers. Designed with women's safety in mind, it is equipped with 5 CCTV cameras with no blind spots and includes 5 dedicated seats for women.
The expansive panoramic glass area, the largest in its segment, offers superior visibility, naturally lit interiors, and enhanced safety. Powered by Switch iON, their proprietary telematics system, the Switch EiV12 offers real-time vehicle health monitoring, ITMS and efficient fleet management. Its efficient rear-end dual gun charging interface not only ensures rapid recharging but also optimises depot spaces, while an IP67 rated battery lets the bus deal with flooded roads with ease.
The Switch E1, designed specifically for the European market, showcases cutting-edge engineering with a lightweight monocoque construction, ensuring optimal efficiency and performance. It features in-wheel motors and a flat gangway layout throughout the bus, providing seamless movement and accessibility for passengers. With its triple-door configuration (front, center, and rear), the bus offers unmatched convenience for quick boarding and alighting, perfectly suited for urban transit systems. Capable of accommodating up to 93 passengers, including standees, the Switch E1 sets a new benchmark in sustainable, passenger-centric public transportation.