Much awaited large scale order for Hybrid buses are awarded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), to Tata Motors for supply of Nos 25 Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Buses with Full Low floor configuration. With these buses, the MMRDA intends to connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railways stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next one year, improving feeder services, to the fastest-growing business hub in Mumbai. This bus was recently showcased in the Auto Expo 2016 and Tata motors have been working in this project for a long time and finally the fruit is ripe to travel in road.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “At Tata Motors we continue to play an active role in supporting millions of commuters every day, with a range of product solutions across segments and the Tata Starbus Hybrid Electric Bus is one of them. With this indigenously developed city bus, we are extremely pleased to partner MMRDA for 25 such buses, for a shared vision of sustainable cost-efficient transport solutions. With electric mobility as a solution for the future, we are fully geared to cater to the huge potential arising for these technologies, right here in India.”
Developed indigenously, the Tata Starbus Full Low Floor Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus is economically viable, safe and environmentally friendly. Series Hybrid technology offers lowest cost of ownership, with improved fuel savings of the order of 25-30%, reduction in emissions in comparison to conventional buses and runs on pure electric mode, for around 30-35% of the total travel distance.
Uniquely engineered for ease of operations the bus can run without the requirement of external charging infrastructures, due to integration of on- board charging, via a BSIV compliant engine and energy storage through advanced Lithium Ion Nano-Phosphate Batteries. While the batteries are re-charged by running of the diesel powertrain, the system also regenerates braking energy through advanced electronic braking system. The technology thus makes adoption of such advanced buses hassle-free, without investing in high cost of charging stations at bus depots or enroute, thereby giving operators the much needed range and flexibility to shift bus routes as per demand and need.
The Tata Starbus is also fitted with CCT cameras that can record movement inside the bus. The bus is also designed with a wide passage-way for free movement, wider window panes for better visibility, along with wider and lower entry and exit doors, making this new bus safe and convenient for commuters to enjoy public transportation.
The bus also incorporates ITS (Intelligence Transport Systems) for public information, through GPS via electronic destination display boards, indicating expected time of arrival at bus stops and route announcements within the bus etc. Further, bucket type seats, softer suspension, tubeless tyres and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) ensures that passengers are comfortable.
Dr. AK Jindal, Head, Engineering Research Centre (Commercial Vehicles), Tata Motors Ltd. said, “The Starbus Diesel Electric Hybrid Bus is one of the most advanced vehicle developed by Tata Motors in line with our philosophy of offering most fuel efficient and environment friendly vehicles, with various features, offering best-in-class comfort and convenient features for urban commuters. The vehicle is based on the company’s understanding of the needs of various transport authorities for public transport and is tested under various conditions, around the globe. A new transport solution, the Starbus Hybrid, is developed, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders, for clean, safe, affordable and comfortable commuting.”
A fleet of 10 Tata Hybrid buses are already in operation in the city of Madrid, Spain and together have covered more than 1 million km.
During the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Tata Motors introduced CNG-Electric Hybrid Buses, as a result of Tata Motors’ advances in alternate fuel technologies, including hybrid electric vehicles. This was the first time in the history of the Indian automobile industry, that hybrid buses were used for public transportation. Tata Motors has also developed full-electric and articulated buses to meet the future transport needs for envisaged ‘Smart Cities’.
DESIGN
The Tata Starbus Diesel series Hybrid Electric bus, offers solutions based on Tata Motors extensive design and technological expertise in the bus business. In line with Tata Motors current design language, the Tata Starbus Hybrid Electric bus impresses, with a robust design, making the bus appear more upright and self-assured, for a more imposing presence, with integrated head and tail lamps and LED indicator lamp. Designed to be more visually appealing, the bus features a sharp outline that lends to a concentrated, yet energetic and contemporary styling, with a signature single-deck design, comprising of two rigid sections linked by a pivoting joint.
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
Series hybrid technology along with Electronic Braking System & Electronically Controlled Full Air Suspension provides excellent ride quality, while an energy-efficient HVAC system, enhancing comfort of the Tata Starbus Hybrid. With good starting acceleration and a maximum speed of 70 kms per hour, the Hybrid Starbus is an innovative solution for a more efficient, greener and comfortable intra-city passenger movement. Pneumatically operated in-swing and out-swing flat doors and a low floor height at 400mm, with a full electronic suspension system and automatic level control, allows the bus to kneel at 340 mm, offering convenience for commuters for easy boarding and exit, including senior citizens, as well for those who are differently abled.
Large 31+1 cushioned seats and a full low floor across the passenger area, with Wi-Fi on board, USB charging ports, an automatic fare collection system, makes the bus truly world-class. The Starbus Diesel Electric Hybrid Bus is the future of rapid urban mass transportation system. The vehicle also complies with all UBS-II (Urban Bus Specifications), AIS 052 (Automotive Industry Standards) and CMVR (Central Motor Vehicle Rules).