Switch Mobility, the UK-based developer of electrified buses and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and subsidiary of Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland, has joined hands with Siemens Ltd.

Formed in 2020 as a mature start-up, Switch Mobility is forged from the EV capabilities of Ashok Leyland and Optare.

Switch Mobility and Siemens have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding towards building a co-operative technological partnership in the electric commercial mobility segment and execute e-mobility projects in India.

The MOU is aimed at delivering efficient, cost-effective and sustainable e-mobility solutions to various commercial vehicle customers in India. To achieve this objective, Switch Mobility is to bring its electric commercial vehicle industry experience while Siemens will offer its proven flexible, high-efficiency and future-ready charging infrastructure technology with efficient and reliable medium-voltage grid connection solutions. Siemens’ charging infrastructure management software solution would enhance the energy-efficient operations of the chargers.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Switch Mobility Ltd, said: “Switch Mobility has a strong pedigree in the commercial vehicle market in India and is ideally placed to promote our aspiration of zero carbon emission transportation. With our experience of over 230 electric vehicles already in operation successfully in India and the UK, we see immense growth opportunities for Switch’s expansion in India, Europe and many global markets. Our aspiration is to make electric products more affordable through this offering, which is also shared by Siemens, renowned for their rich technological pedigree in innovative engineering solutions. We believe that a collaborative approach will accelerate the process. I am very excited with this collaboration which I strongly believe augurs well for the future of commercial e-mobility, in India.”

Preparing for global expansion

Additionally, the electric bus manufacturing skills of Optare are to be used to further Switch Mobility’s global expansion plans.

Switch Mobility has created two subsidiary companies to support its world-wide growth plans.

Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd is being formed to lead the company’s electric vehicle (EV) strategy in India, bringing together the EV operations of Ashok Leyland, the ultimate parent of Switch Mobility, and the capabilities and expertise of Optare UK to form part of Switch’s global business.

A second Switch subsidiary – OHM Global Mobility Private Ltd – is being created to provide Mobility as a Service (eMaaS) solutions initially in India and thereafter globally.

Together, Switch and OHM are intended to provide a net carbon zero-emission solution to India’s growing trend towards EV urban buses and LCVs.

Commenting on the creation of OHM Global Mobility Private, Dr Andrew Palmer, Vice Chairman of Switch Mobility Ltd, said: “Through OHM Global Mobility Private Ltd, we believe we can accelerate the global transition to net zero carbon mobility in buses and vans. OHM Global Mobility’s pioneering offering is not only extremely comprehensive in India but is also world-leading and will provide a robust model of business that can be leveraged by Switch in all its markets.”