Ashok Leyland celebrates 75th Anniversary

Introduced three Vehicle - Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus produced for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Truck with Reliance and the IeV series from Switch Mobility.

Chennai-Ashok Leyland Ltd., of the Hinduja Group and its marks 75th year of operations, to highlighting its steadfast commitment to the nation’s prosperity and growth. Founded in 1948

On this occasion, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, unveiled the ground-breaking Electric Light Commercial Vehicles from Switch Mobility - the IeV Series. The IeV Series is India’s first electric commercial vehicles in its category and aims to provide efficient and eco-friendly solutions for last mile transportation needs.

The SWITCH IeV presents a staggeringly appealing offer for MSMEs, cottage industries, and e-commerce in India with its particularly low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) combined with a promise to high uptime. This series epitomizes our devotion to molding an eco-conscious future, taking care of advancing urban mobility needs while setting new norms for efficiency and innovation.

Ashok Leyland likewise exhibited the new, 9-meter, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus  produced for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). This is India's most memorable first fuel cell bus that will industrially handle on country’s roads'. Additionally displayed the country's first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Truck, which was earlier collaboration with Reliance Industries.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility said, Ashok Leyland's 75-year journey is a story of transformation and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead to the future with excitement and determination and renew our pledge to further shape the future of the CV Industry. We have set our sights on pioneering sustainable transportation solutions and aim to support India’s economic development for years to come.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, Over the course of its remarkable journey, Ashok Leyland has consistently redefined industry standards, setting benchmarks for cutting-edge technology in its products and services, and partnering with marquee names in offering innovative, customer-centric solutions. Today we are proud to launch the IeV series from Switch Mobility and showcase pioneering technologies through the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus for NTPC, and the Hydrogen Engine Truck for Reliance. The 75th anniversary celebration is not just a reflection of the company's history, but a testament to its determination to continue shaping the future of mobility.

Mr. Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility Ltd., said, The launch of our SWITCH IeV Series electric vehicles is a defining moment for SWITCH, having established a strong reputation in the e-bus market. With the SWITCH iON Standard at its core, a versatile range of options, diverse charging solutions, exceptional performance, and operational ease as its hallmark, the SWITCH IeV Series is a testament of our dedication to driving positive change in the industry.

As part of its 75th-anniversary celebrations, Ashok Leyland also launched a new initiative - ‘Dream Drive’ - a journey across the length and breadth of the country, with 10 Ashok Leyland vehicles driven on five different routes, culminating at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing plants today.

Ashok Leyland engaged with its extensive network of customers, dealers, suppliers, and other partners, establishing a direct connection with all its key stakeholders including drivers, mechanics, and financiers to pay gratitude for their contribution. ‘Manzil ka Safar’ with the iconic Stallion defence vehicles was another drive that travelled 4000+ kms from Kanyakumari to Leh to recognize its long-standing partnership with the Indian defence forces.

About SWITCH IeV Series:

The state-of-the-art SWITCH IeV Series (IeV 3 and IeV 4), enabled with a 330 V High Voltage EV Architecture sets a new benchmark in the 2-3.5T commercial vehicle category for unparalleled efficiency and performance. These vehicles come equipped with a spacious cargo body extending up to 9.7 feet, capable of holding up to 340 cubic feet of containers. The Switch IeV series is equipped with a spacious cabin for one to enjoy clutch-less operation, generous legroom, ample headroom, and the convenience of sliding and reclining seats, along with Foldable Parking Brakes.

With the industry-first electric power steering system, these series ensure a comfortable and effortless driving experience. With a robust battery pack ranging from 25.6 to 32.2 kWh, the SWITCH IeV Series will deliver an impressive and efficient range of up to 300 kilometres of operation in a day (with Opportunity Charging), with the best-in-class Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

These electric vehicles boast of a payload of up to 1.7 tons and has adopted the Switch iON system that offers over 20+ customized features, providing real-time vehicle information, insights on the vehicle's position, operating route, trip history, and the condition of EV aggregates, among others, all contributing to streamlined operations and ease of driving.