Sustainable move: Mumbai’s BEST receives first set of Switch EiV 22 AC carbon-neutral double decker buses

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has received the first set of SWITCH EiV 22 double-decker buses from manufacturing company Switch Mobility Ltd. These state-of-the-art e electric air-conditioned buses are also carbon-neutral.

Sharing his excitement over the same, Ashok Leyland Executive Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja tweeted Monday evening, “It is yet another milestone achievement for us, as we delivered the first set of SWITCH EiV 22 to BEST today. This is India’s first electric air-conditioned double-decker bus. These carbon-neutral buses are equipped with latest technology, highest safety & best-in-class features.”

SWITCH EiV 22 buses are designed, developed, and manufactured in India and equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety, and top class features for additional comfort.

Talking about the same, Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer – Switch Mobility Ltd, shared, “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. 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.”

“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),” expressed Lokesh Chandra, General Manager – Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).

Each of these lightweight aluminium body buses has a seating capacity of 65 passengers with the seats having a cushion for additional comfort. Each bus has wide front and rear doors, two staircases and an emergency door complying with the latest safety standards.

Powering SWITCH EiV 22 is a 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid cooled, higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with dual gun charging system. This enables the electric double decker to have a range of up to 250 kms for intra city applications.

This is a much-needed sustainable move at a time when Mumbai is consistently hitting the headlines for its poor air quality and posing a health risk for its residents apart from harming the environment.

While Delhi’s air quality has been a major concern and a hot topic of discussion in the past few years, in a shocking development for Mumbaikars, India’s financial capital has surpasses Delhi and reportedly ranks as the second most polluted city in the world. According to real-time worldwide air quality monitor Swiss air tracking index IQAir, maximum city Mumbai holds the position of the second most polluted city in the world between January 29 and February 8, as per latest news reports.

Hence EV is a welcome move as environmentalists are optimistic that such carbon-neutral vehicles will contribute in bringing about the much-needed improvement in Mumbai’s air quality and make the residents breathe better.