Switch unveils Indian decker
Switch Mobility has unveiled its electric double-decker, air-conditioned bus, the Switch EiV 22.
Designed, developed and manufactured in India specifically for the Indian market, Switch EiV 22 is heralded as the world’s first standard floor, air conditioned, electric double-decker with wider door on the rear overhang and a rear staircase. Switch EiV 22 has a lightweight, rollover-compliant bus body and is designed to be easy to manoeuvre even in tight spaces and congested traffic conditions.
“It’s an extremely proud moment for us as we bring back the iconic double-decker to India” – Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman – Switch Mobility
Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman – Switch Mobility, said: “It’s an extremely proud moment for us as we bring back the iconic double-decker to India. Ashok Leyland was a pioneer among Indian manufacturers when it first launched the double-decker in 1967 in Mumbai and Switch is carrying forward that legacy. With our strong expertise in double-deckers, both in India and UK and with over 100 Switch electric double-deckers in service on UK roads, we are happy to not only bring back this icon to life and look forward to introducing newer electric products for the Indian and European markets, always keeping the customers at the forefront.”
“With our Switch EiV 22 and Metrodecker buses, we are now well positioned to address the global double-decker market and support cities in meeting their net zero targets” – Andy Palmer, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO – Switch Mobility Ltd
Andy Palmer, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO – Switch Mobility Ltd, said: “As a carbon neutral mobility company, Switch is focused on delivering innovative solutions to help authorities and operators decarbonise their public transport systems. The Switch EiV 22 is our latest innovation and builds on our expertise in the electric double-decker segment to deliver a product with class leading efficiency for the Indian market. With our Switch EiV 22 and Metrodecker buses, we are now well positioned to address the global double-decker market and support cities in meeting their net zero targets.”
The architecture of the double-decker uses a 650 V system, the same platform as Switch EiV 12, launched in June 2022, which is also common with Switch e1. 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 up to 250 kms for intra-city applications.
Switch India has already secured an order of 200 electric double-decker buses in Mumbai.
Bus components are manufactured in India which will enable to achieve FAME II compliance.