The next-generation, carbon-neutral electric bus and light CV company, Switch, today unveiled India’s first and unique electric double-decker air-conditioned bus – Switch EiV 22. Thus, it brings back the iconic double-decker memories through an advanced electric technology product. This also makes it India’s first electric double-decker AC bus. Switch says it designed the EiV 22 to revolutionize public transportation as well as set new standards in the intra-city bus market.
Switch says Mumbai and double-deckers are synonymous with public transport. According to the company, the EiV 22 will bring back fond memories for the people of Mumbai while also transforming public transport space. Switch India has secured an order of 200 EiV 22 buses for BEST, Mumbai. BEST has remained the most prolific bus operator of double-decker buses in India for more than seven decades.
The company claims it is a significant achievement when it comes to packaging. It is the world’s first standard floor, air-conditioned, electric double-decker bys with a wider door overhang and rear staircase. The EiV 22 uses a lightweight aluminium body construction. Thus, offering a higher passenger-to-weight ratio and a higher cost per km per passenger.
Switch’s electric double-decker can ferry about twice the number of passengers as a comparable single-decker bus with just an 18 per cent increase in kerb weight. The architecture of the double-decker uses a 650 V system. This is the same platform as the Switch EiV 12 and Switch e1. Switch also manufactures all the bus components in India, which will enable it to achieve FAME II compliance.
The Switch EiV 22 boasts wide front and rear doors, two staircases and an emergency door which complies with the latest safety standard. Switch also says the AC offers effective cooling even in India’s hot climatic conditions. The total seating capacity of the EiV 22 is 65. The electric double-decker bus serves as an ideal solution for urban commuting. This is because it occupies less road, terminal and depot floor space per seated passenger.
Powering the EiV 22 is a 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid-cooled, higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with a dual gun charging system. This lets the EiV 22 have a range of up to 250 km on a single charge. Thus, making it ideal for intra-city applications.
Also Read: SWITCH EiV 12 electric bus platform launched in India