Hitachi ABB Power, Ashok Leyland and IIT-Madras to Begin E-Bus Pilot Using Flash-Charging Technology

Chennai - Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India (ABB Power Products and Systems India) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ashok Leyland Ltd of Chennai and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) for an e-mobility pilot.

As per the understanding, they will work on running an electric bus (e-bus) pilot to support sustainable in-campus commuting by IIT-Maras students and staff. The e-bus will incorporate Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ innovative flash-charging technology – Grid-eMotion Flash, provided by leading bus manufacturer, Ashok Leyland. The IIT-Madras institute will host the infrastructure required to operate the flash-charging system for the e-bus.

N Venu, MD, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India said: “We need to have all hands-on deck – industry, academia and policymakers to develop a strong and reliable local ecosystem to support the Indian electric vehicle (EV) revolution. With sound policy levers in place, this partnership – engaging some of the finest industry and academic minds in India – creates a truly sustainable framework for e-mobility. We are delighted to be partnering with Ashok Leyland and IITM to provide a zero-emissions mass public transportation bus system through our award-winning technology, localised for the Indian market.”

Dr. N Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland Ltd. said: “As pioneers in the bus segment, we are proud to partner on yet another innovative solution in the e-bus segment. Combination of our robust buses with electric propulsion technology and flash charging from Hitachi ABB Power Grids, can be the answer to the need for sustainable public transportation across the country. This latest alliance will further help us stay at the forefront of embedding innovative and indigenous technologies to nurture the smart e-mobility ecosystem in India.”