Ashok Leyland's EV arm Switch to supply and operate 300 electric buses In Bengaluru

Switch is proud to announce the supply and operation of 300 12m electric buses for the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, the company stated in a release.

Switch will supply, operate and maintain the fleet and charging infrastructure for a period of 12 years on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) Model under the FAME II Scheme. 

“The state-of-the-art, technologically advanced, low-noise buses will make commuting more comfortable for the people of Bengaluru. The buses are expected to reduce fuel consumption by around 5.5 million litres annually, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions by more than 14,500 tonnes per year, alongside cost savings for BMTC,” says the company.

This contract further reinforces the company’s vision to be a global technology leader, providing net zero carbon commercial mobility products and solutions that create outstanding value for all stake holders.

“Switch is proud to serve the city of Bengaluru with a new fleet of technologically advanced electric buses. All Switch vehicles are zero-emission, but we set the bar much higher, aiming for net zero carbon across all of our operations. Passengers on our vehicles can travel in the comfort of knowing that their journey will emit no CO2 to impact the planet,” Andy Palmer, CEO and executive vice chairman of Switch Mobility Ltd, stated.

“Switch is delighted to partner with BMTC as we work towards a common goal of sustainability. Through the deployment of 300 of our zero tail-pipe emission electric buses, Switch will play a central role in reducing carbon in the city of Bengaluru. The cost of ownership and the product experience that we can deliver is amongst the best in the sector and our ability to bring value to customers like BMTC, combined with our superior technology and innovation, will help us to serve many more such customers in the future,” Mahesh Babu, COO of Switch Mobility Ltd and CEO of Switch Mobility, India, said.

Switch Mobility Automotive Ltd along with Chandigarh City Bus Services Society (CCBSS), on Monday, flagged off commercial operations of first lot out of 40 electric buses in the city of Chandigarh, also under the FAME-II scheme. 

These electric buses come with fast charging technology and will provide service within the route plans set by the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU). On an average, this fleet of 40 globally benchmarked electric buses will save approximately 6.5 lakh Litre of fuel while reducing carbon emissions to the tune of 1700 tonne, annually. Ashok Leyland through its electric vehicle arm Switch will operate and maintain the fleet and the charging infrastructure across four locations in the Tri-city.

Formed in 2020 as a mature start-up, Switch is forged from the EV capabilities of Ashok Leyland, the fourth largest bus and LCV OEM in the world, and Optare, the British bus company with over a century of expertise in using the latest technologies in bus design. Currently fulfilling orders in the UK, Switch is creating a strong foundation for the expansion of its operations in Europe and driving growth in India and other parts of the world.