Ashok Leyland Subsidiary Secures E-Bus Order from Chennai's MTC

Ashok Leyland subsidiary Switch Mobility to supply 500 electric buses to Chennai's MTC, supporting green public transport with a 12-year contract and new charging infrastructure.

Chennai- Ashok Leyland Limited., of the Hinduja Group Limited., a commercial vehicle manufacturer,has secured an order for 500 units of 12-meter ultra-low floor electric buses from Chennai's Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC). This strengthens Ashok Leyland's leadership in the bus segment and highlights its focus on sustainable urban mobility through its electric mobility arm, OHM. 

Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, will supply 500 units Switch EiV12 electric buses to OHM, which will operate and maintain them for 12 years under the MTC contract. Of these, 400 will be non-AC and 100 will have air conditioning for passenger comfort in Chennai. The buses can seat 37 passengers and accommodate 24 standing, with a range of over 200 km per charge, ideal for long city routes. Their ultra-low-floor design enhances accessibility, convenience, and travel efficiency, supporting Chennai's move towards green public transport. 

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland, said, “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and be a partner in their journey towards green public transportation. This new order underscores our dedication to producing highly efficient and technologically advanced products, driving the growth of public transportation in the country. Our SWITCH EiV12 buses combine cutting-edge technology, reliability, and comfort, making them the ideal solution for modern cities. We are committed to driving the transition to electric mobility, and this partnership with MTC is a step forward in creating cleaner, more efficient transport systems. Switch already has over 950 vehicles in operation and with this order has a healthy order book of over 2000 vehicles.”

The SWITCH EiV12 is powered by a robust 650V electric architecture and features IP67-rated batteries, ensuring durability and safety.  Designed for inclusivity, the bus is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and secure anchorage points, making it fully wheelchair accessible. It also offers the highest seating capacity in its segment, with chassis-mounted batteries that provide lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and manoeuvrability in congested urban areas. 

To ensure efficient operations, charging infrastructure will be developed at six key depots: Perumbur, Perumbakam, Poonamalle, Vyasapandi, Thondiapet, and KK Nagar. These charging hubs will ensure that the buses can operate efficiently across the city, reducing downtime and enabling consistent service delivery.