Ashok Leyland announced today that its subsidiary, OHM Global Mobility, has secured an order for 500 units of 12-metre ultra-low floor electric buses from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai.
As Ashok Leyland’s electric mobility arm, OHM focuses on Mobility-as-a-Service, and this significant order reinforces the company’s leadership in the bus segment while advancing sustainable urban mobility in India.
Switch Mobility, another Ashok Leyland subsidiary, will supply state-of-the-art Switch EiV12 buses to OHM. In turn, OHM will operate and maintain the fleet over a 12-year period, as per the MTC contract.
The new electric buses are designed to seat 37 passengers, with standing space for an additional 24. With a range exceeding 200 kilometers per charge, they are well-suited for Chennai's long urban routes, ensuring uninterrupted service across the city. The ultra-low-floor design allows for faster boarding and improved accessibility, reducing travel time and enhancing passenger convenience.
Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland, said, “The SWITCH EiV12 buses offer advanced technology, reliability, and comfort, making them the perfect fit for modern cities. We are dedicated to driving the transition to electric mobility, and this partnership is a crucial step in creating cleaner, more efficient transport systems.”
The SWITCH EiV12 features a 650V electric architecture with IP67-rated batteries, ensuring safety and durability. It offers the highest seating capacity in its class and is designed for inclusivity, with wheelchair ramps and secure anchorage points. Its chassis-mounted batteries provide a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and maneuverability in crowded urban environments.
To support efficient operations, charging infrastructure will be set up at six depots across Chennai: Perambur, Perumbakam, Poonamalle, Vyasapandi, Thondiapet, and KK Nagar. These charging hubs will enable consistent service delivery by minimising downtime.
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