The global partnership between the Hinduja group flagship, Ashok Leyland and SUN Mobility, announced in July 2017, took wings at the Auto Expo 2018. This partnership aimed at creating SMART Mobility solutions for SMART cities, took shape with Ashok Leyland unveiling its first electric bus, Circuit-S, powered by SUN Mobility’s swappable Smart Battery™.
“Our vision is to transform public transportation by designing, developing, and marketing a breakthrough, India-specific solution that makes our city buses emission-free, cost-effective and scalable,” said Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland.
The two companies have come together, leveraging India’s innovation and engineering potential to develop a truly world-class electric mobility solution. The first of its kind technology demonstration, is an example of ‘Design in India’ and ‘Make in India’ capabilities of India. This world class solution is the answer to India’s rising e-mobility needs and global demand for smarter solutions for public transport.
In a move that is transformational for the mass transportation system in India, the Circuit- S, India’s First Swap Battery Bus which is designed for Indian conditions with seating capacity ranging from 25 – 35 seats, runs on easily swappable, smart batteries that are small and 1/4th the weight of a regular Li-ion battery. In a first of its kind demonstration, Ashok Leyland and SUN Mobility showcased the “refueling/swapping” of its electric bus in under 4 minutes, which is faster than conventional refueling along with the swapping of bus drivers and conductors at a depot. This solution, thereby, addresses issues of convenience and quick recharging options that have long been stumbling blocks for the acceptance and viability of electric vehicles for public transportation.
“We have been able to bring this unique, world-class solution to market within seven months of partnership with SUN Mobility. This idea has the power to change the way our public transport system works. We see this home-grown, world-class technology as the best solution for our transport authorities. The Circuit-S bus will cost lesser, would require minimal maintenance owing to lesser moving parts, will be lighter owing to smaller battery pack and most importantly, it will have zero tailpipe emissions. We certainly see this technology solution as the biggest enabler for our STUs and the biggest contributor to our nation’s mobility vision of becoming 100% electric,” Mr. Dasari added.
Ashok Leyland is a pioneer in introducing world-class technology into its buses. It was the first and only manufacturer to achieve BS-III emission compliance using a mechanical fuel pump. It was also the first in India to develop an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) based BS-IV solution in 2010. In 2017, Ashok Leyland was the world’s first and only company to develop an EGR based BS-IV solution, called iEGR (Intelligent Exhaust Gas Recirculation).
“The future of public mobility is undoubtedly electric. The SUN Mobility way combines smart batteries, quick interchange stations, clean energy, all linked to a smart network that for the first time brings truly disruptive innovation to the part of Urban Mobility that has the greatest impact on the way people commute. Partnering with a market leader like Ashok Leyland, we have been able to bring to life, mass mobility solutions that are customized for India’s widespread public transportation needs,” said Mr. Chetan Maini, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman, SUN Mobility.
By separating the battery from the bus, for the first time, the upfront cost of the bus is drastically reduced to be at par with a traditional diesel bus. The bus is uniquely designed for Indian mass transport usage as the compact and light form factor of the battery allows for more passenger space and standing room. The swappable technology is compatible across a variety of bus platforms and works on the pay-per-use model of battery consumption. This brings down the total cost of vehicle operations; both maintenance and energy.
SUN Mobility plans to build a network of Quick Interchange Stations™ that are easy to install and ensures quick refueling of buses to reduce down-time. The interchange station is customized for Indian conditions ensuring optimal use of real estate space for a range of vehicles to be swapped. These stations are compact and modular, allowing flexibility of shifting basis demand in a cost-effective manner. The Smart Network™ helps keep a constant check on the battery vitals, station operations and enables fleet management.