Switch Mobility unveils India’s first electric double-decker bus Switch EiV 22 

Switch Mobility unveiled its new electric double-decker, air-conditioned bus model, named Switch EiV 22. There is room for 65 seated passengers.

Switch India has already secured an order of 200 electric double-decker buses in Mumbai.

Switch Mobility electric double decker Indian bus

“Designed, developed and manufactured in India specifically for the Indian market, Switch EiV 22 is equipped with the latest technology, ultra-modern design, highest safety and best-in-class comfort features, utilising Switch’s global electric bus experience. The renewed iconic double-decker is designed to revolutionise public transportation in the country and will set new standards in the intra-city bus market”, manufacturer says.

The Switch EiV 22 is claimed to be “the world’s first standard floor, air conditioned, electric double-decker with wider door on rear overhang and a rear staircase”.

The Switch electric double-decker “can ferry nearly twice the number of seated passengers as a comparable single-decker bus with just 18% increase in kerb weight. 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” Switch Mobility continues in the press note announcing the launch.

Powering Switch EiV 22 is a 231 kWh capacity, 2-string, liquid cooled, higher density NMC chemistry battery pack with dual gun charging system.

Bus components are manufactured in India which will enable to achieve FAME II compliance.

Commenting on the launch, 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.”  

Andy Palmer, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO – Switch Mobility Ltd, commented, “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.”

Mr. Mahesh Babu, CEO – Switch Mobility India, COO – Switch Mobility Ltd, said, “We are pleased to unveil the Switch EiV 22, India’s first and unique electric double-decker. We have strived to meet multiple challenges to fulfil new age customer requirements, while retaining the iconic double-decker lineage. The Switch EiV 22 is designed and developed to meet Indian conditions, while at the same time provide superior customer comfort and delight. Mumbai and double-deckers are synonymous with public transport, and we are certain that Switch EiV 22 will not only bring back fond memories for Mumbaikars, but will transform the public transport space in terms of sustainability and footprint which is the need of the hour in India.”