India's First Electric Bus: Which Company Made It Possible?

which company developed india

India's first electric bus was launched in 2018 by Ashok Leyland, a Hinduja Group flagship company. The bus, called Circuit.S, was locally designed, engineered, and produced, with technology inputs from its UK subsidiary, Optare, a pioneer of electric buses. However, Olectra Greentech Limited (Olectra) claims to be India's first electric bus manufacturer, with manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad. Olectra has a strategic partnership with BYD Auto Industry, one of the world's largest EV manufacturers.

Characteristics Values
Company Name Olectra Greentech Limited
Year 2018
Power 180 kW
Torque 1800 Nm
Battery Lithium-ion
Range 200+ km on a single charge
Seating Capacity 25-35
Zero-Emission Yes
Floor Height 650 mm
Width 2500 mm
Maximum Passengers 31

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Olectra Greentech Limited is India's largest manufacturer of electric buses

Olectra Greentech Limited (OGL) is India's largest manufacturer of pure electric buses. The company was established in 2000 and introduced India's first electric bus in 2015. OGL has manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad, India, and is currently traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).

OGL has been a pioneer in electric bus manufacturing and insulators in India, playing a significant role in building the country's power transmission and distribution infrastructure. The company's vision to support the environment has driven it to develop innovative solutions, such as introducing zero-emission EBUS for public transport.

Olectra's electric buses have proven their reliability and efficiency, having been successfully operated over 200 million kilometres in Pune alone as of 2022. The company has delivered over 600 electric buses to various state transport undertakings (STUs) and covered more than 500 million kilometres on Indian roads. Olectra's total fleet of 300 electric buses in Pune is the largest in any Indian city.

To meet the growing demand for electric buses, Olectra acquired 150 acres in Telangana to establish a state-of-the-art, fully automated robotic manufacturing plant. With this expansion, the company plans to manufacture 10,000 buses annually and launch additional electric vehicle products such as trucks, LCVs, and three-wheelers. Olectra's commitment to reducing pollution levels and minimising carbon emissions through efficient electric public transport aligns with the Indian government's vision for greener transport.

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Ashok Leyland launched India's first locally-made electric bus in 2018

In 2018, Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship, launched India's first locally-made electric bus. The company unveiled its Circuit series electric bus, the country's first indigenously made vehicle, in October 2016. The bus was designed and engineered in India, in line with the company's vision for the future of mass mobility.

T. Venkataraman, senior vice-president for the global bus platform at Ashok Leyland, said, "We believe electric vehicles will happen sooner than later." He added that while people had been talking about electric vehicles, Ashok Leyland wanted to be the first to unveil a production model. The zero-emission vehicle was specifically developed for Indian road conditions and offered on multiple platforms. It could travel 150 km on a single charge, addressing the so-called 'range anxiety'.

The company aimed to leverage the government's subsidy under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme to make the buses more attractive to buyers. Ashok Leyland planned to target metro, tarmac, and city circuits to sell these buses, as well as heritage sites. Some states, such as Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, had already been adopting such green vehicles, and the company was in active discussions with them.

The Circuit series of buses demonstrated Ashok Leyland's commitment to leveraging India's technological innovation to deliver relevant and best-in-class solutions globally. The buses were designed with a simple, mass-market platform to enable operators to cater to customers in city centers with minimal operational and maintenance costs.

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EKA E9 is the first 'Made-In-India' 9-metre pure electric, zero-emission bus

India's first electric bus manufacturer, Olectra Greentech Limited, offers a green energy solution to public transport with its zero-emission EBUS. However, the EKA E9 is another notable electric bus in India, being the first Made-In-India 9-metre pure electric, zero-emission bus.

The EKA E9 is designed to provide comfortable journeys for its passengers. The bus has a unique and friendly exterior, with a smiling front that radiates reliability and trust. The interior is stylish and spacious, with a seating capacity of 32 passengers. Each passenger has enough legroom, and there is also space for people with special accessibility needs. The EKA E9 is equipped with climate-controlled air conditioning, a driver-friendly cockpit, and a well-organised dashboard with various features.

In terms of performance, the EKA E9 delivers an impressive ride. Its power originates from a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), generating 213 kWh of maximum power and 2352 Nm of torque. This allows the bus to excel in acceleration, speed, and reliability. The EKA E9 also features a regenerative braking system and a fast CCS2 charging system, minimising waiting times and keeping the bus on the road for longer.

The bus's modular design is constructed with a monocoque stainless steel chassis, providing exceptional workability. It incorporates cutting-edge technologies that are cost-effective, such as electronically controlled air suspension on both the front and rear sides. The EKA E9 also prioritises safety with its advanced electronic brake system, driver assistance system (ADAS), cameras, and emergency stop buttons.

The EKA E9 is a significant addition to India's electric bus market, offering a comfortable, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation for its passengers.

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PMI Electro is India's leading OEM, with over 1,200 buses in 27 cities

PMI Electro is a leading bus manufacturer in India, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The company was established in 2017 by Satish Kumar Jain and Anurag Agarwal, and has since become a prominent symbol of innovation in the country's electric vehicle market. PMI Electro's journey into the EV space began with the delivery of its first electric bus to Delhi International Airport. Today, the company operates over 1,200 buses across 27 cities in India, covering more than 100,000 kilometres daily with zero breakdowns. This impressive achievement is a testament to the company's cutting-edge technology and commitment to reducing emissions.

PMI Electro's electric buses are designed with sustainability at their core, aiming to minimise environmental impact. Each bus is capable of saving approximately 28,000 kg of CO2 annually, contributing significantly to the company's goal of an emission-free planet. This aligns with the global need to reduce carbon emissions, especially considering that mobility contributes to around 20-30% of global energy consumption. By adopting eco-friendly practices, PMI Electro is leading the transition to a greener future.

The company's innovative approach extends beyond its electric buses. PMI Electro has established state-of-the-art battery assembly plants that prioritise localisation and sustainability. This ensures that their buses are not only environmentally friendly but also contribute to the development of smart mobility solutions for smart cities. The company's dedication to sustainability and innovation has set new standards in the industry, positioning PMI Electro as a pioneer in India's electric bus market.

PMI Electro's rapid growth and success highlight India's progress in the electric vehicle space. With PMI Electro at the forefront, the country is embracing sustainable mobility and taking significant steps towards reducing its carbon footprint. The company's expansion across 27 cities underscores the increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions in India. PMI Electro's impact extends beyond its own operations, as it supplies bus bodies to major OEMs such as Tata and Ashok Leyland, further propagating sustainable practices throughout the industry.

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JBM Auto Limited is a key player in the Indian electric bus market

JBM Auto Limited, a subsidiary of the JBM Group, is a key player in India's electric bus market. JBM Group is a $3 billion global conglomerate with a presence in over 37 countries and a team of more than 30,000 employees. The company has established itself as one of the world's leading manufacturers of key auto systems, electric vehicles, and buses.

JBM Auto Limited has been at the forefront of India's transition to sustainable and clean mobility, offering smart public transport solutions. Their electric buses, known as ECO-LIFE buses, are designed to be highly efficient, with reduced operating costs, low maintenance requirements, and long-lasting performance, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership. These buses are 100% electric, zero-emission vehicles that provide high passenger comfort, superior suspension, and advanced safety systems, making them ideal for sustainable public transport.

JBM Auto Limited's ECO-LIFE buses are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including intelligent packaging for easy maintenance, a smart swing battery tray, and side access to CNG cylinders. The company's focus on innovation and customer value has led them to incorporate real-time maintenance features, such as onboard diagnostics to detect any malfunctions, and ergonomic access to electronic devices.

Additionally, JBM Auto Limited has been addressing the challenge of electric vehicle charging infrastructure by establishing EV charging sites across major cities in India. These charging stations offer a blend of AC slow chargers and DC fast chargers, supporting the adoption of electric buses in public transportation. The company's holistic approach to electric mobility includes ECOFUEL, their sustainable EV charging infrastructure, which further enhances the efficiency and eco-friendliness of their public transport operations.

JBM Auto Limited's efforts in the Indian electric bus market extend beyond their own buses. Through its subsidiary, JBM Electric Vehicles, the company has partnered with MUON India to deploy over 2,000 electric buses using MUON's new EV financing platform, Vertelo. This collaboration demonstrates JBM Auto Limited's commitment to driving innovation and promoting the adoption of electric buses in India.

Frequently asked questions

Olectra Greentech Limited (Olectra) is India's largest manufacturer of pure electric buses and was the country's first electric bus manufacturer. The company has a partnership with China's BYD Co. and offers a range of electric buses.

The EKA E9 is claimed to be the country's first completely 'Made-In-India' 9-metre pure electric, zero-emission bus. It was showcased to Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, in 2022.

The EKA E9 is powered by an electric motor that generates a maximum power of 200 kW and a 2500 Nm torque. It has a low floor height of 650 mm, making it accessible to elderly, children, and specially-abled passengers. It can carry up to 31 passengers on board and is equipped with a wheelchair ramp.

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