The electric vehicle manufacturing and technology company, EKA, has announced that it received CMVR certification for its 9m electric bus, EKA E9, from ARAI. The Director of ARAI handed over the CMVR certificate to Dr Sudhir Mehta, Founder and Chairman of EKA.
The brand successfully completed all the required functional and safety testing and approvals. Thus, it achieved the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) certification from ARAI. This is a crucial step for EKA as it can now start trials. Furthermore, after trials, EKA can begin sales of the EKA E9 to customers in the coming months. The founder and chairman of EKA said he is happy that EKA achieved another milestone. He added that the company will now focus on ramping up its production and delivering the electric buses to customers.
EKA E9 Electric Bus – Overview
EKA’s first battery-electric bus, the E9, sports a streamlined design and maximised power and range. Helping with this is the bus’ monocoque steel chassis and complete composite structure. EKA claims the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the E9 will be lower than the existing ICE-powered buses. Thus, delivering sustainability and profitability to all stakeholders.
Powering the E9 is an electric motor making 200 kW and 2500 Nm of torque. EKA claims the electric motor provides faster acceleration and greater traction power than a conventional ICE bus. The brand also claims it offers industry-leading reliability. Furthermore, it has a 17 per cent gradeability and a regenerative braking system. EKA developed the E9’s lithium-ion battery pack using advanced chemistry. This makes the bus safe, durable and also efficient. The E9 also supports fast charging via the CCS2 protocol fast charger. The company also designed the vehicle control unit software in-house.
The EKA E9 also comes with a host of features. These include disc brakes at both ends with EBS, an emergency stop button, four cameras and a fire extinguisher. The E9 also features Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). EKA has made sure to keep the centre of gravity low. This not only ensures high-speed stability but also in turns. It also makes the bus easy to manoeuvre in congested city traffic.
Also Read: EKA with NuPort Robotics will launch smart Electric Buses with ADAS features
