Olectra-BYD (formerly known as Goldstone-BYD), the apparent growth driver in the electric bus space in India, has announced that its eBuzz K9 electric buses have been put into commercial operation under the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC). The first lot of five zero-emission electric bus eBuzz K9 model has been flagged off in the State capital, with the buses set to be part of a contract for deployment of 40 AC e-buses which TSRTC has awarded on the gross cost contract basis to Olectra-BYD. The balance 35 e-buses will be deployed in due course.
The passengers travelling to the airport would now be able to travel in an eco-friendly and noiseless comfortable vehicle. These electric buses are manufactured in India by Olectra Greentech (formerly Goldstone Infratech) in a strategic tie-up with BYD Auto Industry Co. Ltd., the world’s largest electric vehicle company.
The Department of Heavy Industry, under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India (FAME-I) scheme has provided a subsidy of Rs. 1 crore for each bus to the Telangana State.
The 12-meter air-conditioned low-floor buses having a capacity of 39+1 (Driver) seats will ply from different locations in the city to the Hyderabad international airport. Supported by the kneeling mechanism, these buses provide convenience to specially-abled and senior citizens while boarding or getting down from the bus.
The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery installed in the bus enables it to travel up to 250 plus km in a single charge. It also has regenerative braking system which enables the bus to recover part of the kinetic energy lost in braking. The battery can be fully recharged in between 4-5 hours. It has Electronically controlled air suspension to ensure a comfortable travel. To address the safety requirements, the eBuzz K 9 is equipped to offer protection from short circuit, over temperature function and lightening.
While announcing the deployment of the buses, Mr. N. Naga Satyam, Executive Director, Olectra Greentech Ltd., said: “Olectra-BYD is doing its bit to reduce the increasing pollution levels. Our buses plying under TSRTC are yet another step in the same direction, and we are sure to repeat the success of our electric buses in other States. We are delighted to now offer our state-of-the-art electric buses of international standard to the people of Telangana. We are sure the local people would be now be able to enjoy travelling in an eco-friendly and noise-free mode of transport.”
The company recently launched its first luxury electric bus – eBuzz K6 LuXe (7Meter) – at Busworld in Bengaluru. Olectra-BYD also has the distinction of deploying India’s first commercially running electric bus which started operating in September 2017 between Kullu-Manali under the Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) for the public. Recently, it has started its operations on the Manali-Rohtang pass also.
The company is also running its e-bus eBuzz K7 in Mumbai under the Brihan Mumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST). Apart from this, the 12-meter variant, eBuzz K9, has successfully completed trials in Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh, Goa, Rajkot, etc.
Olectra’s eBuzz K6 was the first ‘Made in India’ electric bus which was exported to Nepal in June last.