Make in India: Ashok Leyland launches first indigenous electric bus

Commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland on Monday launched ‘Circuit’ Series – first Electric Bus Made in India.

Designed and engineered in India, for India, by Indians – the 100 per cent electric bus is a zero-emission, non-polluting vehicle, created specifically for Indian roads and passenger conditions, the company said in a statement.

This new Circuit range of vehicles will be offered on multiple platforms.

Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said, “The Circuit series of buses is another testament to Ashok Leyland’s commitment to leverage India’s technological innovation to deliver relevant and best-in-class solutions for India and the world".

In April 2015, at FAME Delhi workshop, the company had committed to vehicles with full electric power trains by January 2017. The first vehicle in this new Circuit series, ahead of schedule.

"The product that will enhance the environment in the cities - this is in keeping with Ashok Leyland’s philosophy of ‘Aapki Jeet, Hamari Jeet’," said Dasari.

The Circuit series vehicles are all exclusively engineered on India-specific platforms that can tackle varied topography, gradients, and usage conditions. Integrated with a fire detection and suppression system (FDSS), this truly Indian innovation can travel 120 kilometers on a single charge.

It is built on a simple, mass-market platform that will enable the operator to cater to customers in city centres with minimal operational and maintenance costs.” said T Venkataraman, Sr Vice President – Global Bus.

Ambuj Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “Today is a very significant day for us as a state and as a country. India’s first ever fully electric bus, developed for India and made in India, is a big leap in mass public transport and we are glad that Ashok Leyland has been able to deliver this."

"This vehicle will support the Government's initiative of reducing fuel import bill and is a promise for a brighter and cleaner future for all of us and for our future generations," he added.

Ashok Leyland Limited