Imagine stepping into an electric bus that mirrors the sleek design and comfort of a modern car. The floating roofline grabs attention at first glance, hinting at the innovative engineering and design philosophy behind it.
According to Mahesh Babu, CEO of SWITCH Mobility, this transformation is not merely cosmetic but a deliberate attempt to revolutionise the commercial vehicle segment, long ignored when it comes to aesthetics, driver comfort, and passenger experience.
Design Philosophy: Pride & Comfort In Public Transport
The company’s design philosophy focuses on innovation, technology, and passenger pride. Mahesh Babu, explains, “The commercial vehicle segment has traditionally prioritised cost over design and comfort. We aim to offer the best for all stakeholders. Our designs are intended to instil pride in public transport users and make the experience more inviting.”
The company’s flagship electric low-floor city buses, the E1 and EiV12, embrace these principles. Features like large glass areas for roominess, 360-degree visibility via five cameras for enhanced safety, and kneeling and tilting functions for wheelchair accessibility reflect the bus maker’s focus on inclusivity and convenience. From passengers to drivers, every aspect of these electric buses has been thoughtfully engineered. For instance, drivers are provided with a workstation-like setup designed for comfort, showcasing the company’s commitment to enhancing every link in the value chain.
Flexibility Without Compromise
One of the standout features of SWITCH Mobility’s buses is their modular architecture, which enables mounting batteries on the floor. The buses offer multiple battery capacities—180 kWh, 240 kWh, 280 kWh, 320 kWh, and 420 kWh—giving fleet operators flexibility to choose the configuration that best suits their operational needs.
Managing weight distribution and suspension is critical in such designs. Mahesh Babu explains, “The modular architecture ensures that EV systems work flawlessly, regardless of the battery capacity. The layout has been optimised to maintain uniform seat space and legroom without compromise. The rear and mid-modules remain consistent, with modifications limited to the front module, accommodating both left- and right-hand drives.”
The low-floor design enhances accessibility, while the rear-module seating is slightly elevated to optimise space. This scalable design not only improves passenger comfort but also reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for fleet operators.
Born Electric: Purpose-Built For Efficiency, Safety
Unlike retrofitted diesel buses, SWICTH Mobility’s electric buses are “born electric,” with a chassis designed specifically for electric mobility. “From day one, our team was clear about placing the batteries on the floor to optimise weight distribution,” says Mahesh Babu. By keeping the centre of gravity low, the design enhances stability, safety, and durability while reducing body stress and cost. Power and cooling circuits have been meticulously engineered to ensure efficiency without compromising safety.
SWITCH’s innovative rear-charging option adds to the operational ease for fleet operators, particularly in intra-city applications where swappable batteries might traditionally be preferred. Mahesh Babu reassures that modular platforms reduce service complexities. “These buses are easier to maintain, with everything accessible from the ground. Service personnel don’t need to climb onto the roof for diagnostics or battery maintenance, minimising downtime and enhancing vehicle uptime. Our target is to achieve 95% same-day vehicle availability for operators,” he adds.
Space optimisation is another critical achievement in the company’s design. By cleverly placing batteries at the rear of the floor and above the front wheels for higher capacities, the design achieves seamless integration without intruding on passenger space.
Smart Technologies
These two electric city buses come equipped with advanced technologies that set them apart in the market. Cameras at entrances count passengers entering and exiting, enabling real-time monitoring. The command centre receives this data alongside energy consumption metrics, which helps identify inefficiencies, whether related to passenger load, vehicle performance, or driver behaviour.
The buses generate nearly two terabytes of data from various nodes—batteries, control modules, and driver behaviour—which are analysed and shared with fleet operators. “Transparency is key. Our systems provide actionable insights to stakeholders, enabling them to optimise operations and take corrective measures, when necessary,” he says.
Sustainability Meets Scalability
SWITCH Mobility’s electric buses combine innovation, modularity, and advanced engineering to deliver a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for public transport. The thoughtful integration of design, technology, and smart systems ensures a compelling experience for passengers, drivers, and fleet operators alike.
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From Vision To Reality: SWITCH Mobility’s Low-Floor Electric Buses For India & Europe