Switch Mobility presents new electric solo bus for European markets

Switch Mobility, the British subsidiary of the Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland, has presented the new generation of its e1 electric bus, which was developed specifically for markets in continental Europe.

The new e1 is a twelve-metre long electric solo bus with space for up to 93 passengers and 28 seats. It is powered by ZF wheel motors, the battery with NMC chemistry and a capacity of 389 kWh should allow a range of about 390 kilometres.

The e1 is charged exclusively by cable. Switch did not mention the possibility of charging the bus quickly using the pantograph system at the presentation. A charging process via CCS should take less than three hours, with alternating current it should be around seven hours. However, this would correspond to an AC-unusual charging power of 56 kW.

For the body, Switch has opted for a monocoque design (chassis and body are integrated), which should make the e1 one of the lightest twelve-metre buses in Europe, according to the manufacturer. The unladen weight is 10.8 tonnes. “We are proud to be taking the industry forward not only with one of the lightest buses in Europe, but with our first all-electric bus designed specifically for the European market,” says Switch CEO Andy Palmer. The lightweight construction and improved battery are also intended to reduce running costs for operators. Tools such as the iAlert remote diagnostics system should also help.

The figure of 93 passengers is the capacity including standing room – the e1 seats 28. The seats have USB charging points, under-seat lighting and reading lamps. The air conditioning system has double-walled ducts that distribute the warm or cool air. The improved insulation is said to increase efficiency.

The Switch e1 is built at Switch Mobility’s new production facility in Valladolid, Spain. The prototype now presented, on the other hand, was still assembled at the British Sherburn plant in Yorkshire.

sustainable-bus.com, route-one.net, switchmobility.tech (announcement), switchmobility.tech (data)