The Switch EiV22 double decker bus can carry 65 passengers; each seat is lightweight ideal for short commuting in the city.
Mumbai or rather Bombay always loved their double decker mode of transport, be it trams, buses or trains. Similar to London, Mumbai is synonymous to its double decker bus. The double decker buses were introduced in Bombay in 1937, horse drawn buses at that. By the time we got Independence, entire fleet comprised of motorized double deckers. Towards the end of century and onto the new one, these buses were becoming expensive to run compared to single-deckers. BEST decided to scrap most of the double decker buses and leave a handful of them on South Mumbai routes. Everyone has fond memories of double decker bus rides in Mumbai.
The time is round the corner to create new memories as Mumbai’s very own Double Decker is making a comeback and in a new avatar. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highway of India unveiled India’s first electric double decker bus in Mumbai. The icon is re-built by none other than Ashok Leyland’s subsidiary Switch Mobility Ltd. The bus, called Switch EiV 22, is an air-conditioned, zero emission, fully electric bus.
The double decker has a modern design, latest tech and lightweight aluminum body. All this translates into competitive cost per kilometer making it viable for transport authority to run compared to the older ones. There are two entry-exit points and stairs to the upper deck – one in the front and other at the back. The Switch EiV22 can carry 65 passengers; each seat is lightweight ideal for short commuting in the city. For convenience, there are USB chargers available for passengers. The electric bus is powered by 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid cooled, high-density chemistry battery with dual gun charging system. This gives the Switch EiV 22 a claimed range of 250 kms but we expect 120-180 kms range in Mumbai’s bumper-to-bumper traffic. Buses can be charged upto 80% in less than an hour through 240 kW chargers placed at depots. The EiV 22 expected life cycle is around 8-12 years.
In terms of safety, these buses are Mumbai spec, ready to encounter bad roads and heavy rains thanks to air suspension. Switch Mobility will monitor each double decker bus’ battery pack for any cell related issues. This will help in evacuation in case of emergency like fire.
BEST has ordered 200 such electric double decker buses. First set of buses will be delivered in last quarter of 2022 and rest before end of financial year 22-23. The first set of routes are likely to be around Kurla and South Mumbai i.e. Colaba, Nariman Point, CST, Churchgate areas. To begin with, chargers will be installed at Colaba Bus Depot and Kurla Bus Depot.
Everyone has appreciated the electric single decker Tata Starbus EV, as it gives a much need upgrade to age-old buses in Mumbai. Double Decker buses were charm of Mumbai and I don’t see why it shouldn’t be successful in the electric avatar. Its modern, its air-conditioned, its electric and its Red! I can’t wait to ride on BEST’s EiV 22 on Marine Drive route, upper deck…front seat please!
