Switch EiV 22 double-decker launched for Indian market
Switch Mobility has continued to make headway in the Indian market for battery-electric buses with the debut of the EiV 22 double-decker. It has been designed and developed in India and will also be manufactured there.
The air-conditioned, high-floor model has 231kW/h of energy storage. Switch claims that will give a range of up to 250km in city applications. Dual-connection charging is possible and the bus comes with a maximum seating capacity of 65. The OEM says that figure is almost double that of a single-decker to Indian specification, but that it comes with an increase in unladen weight of only 18%.
Front and rear doors, and staircases, are part of the specification. Switch already has an order for 200 EiV 22 buses in hand for Mumbai and it says the new model leaves it “looking at a dominant space in the electric double-decker segment across key regions in [India].”
Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Switch Mobility Ltd Andy Palmer notes that the EiV 22 builds on the manufacturer’s battery-electric Metrodecker product in the UK, of which over 100 are in service. “With our Switch EiV 22 and Metrodecker buses, we are now well positioned to address the global double-decker market and support cities in meeting their net-zero targets," says Mr Palmer.
Adds Switch Mobility Chair Dheeraj Hinduja: “It is an extremely proud moment for us as we bring back the iconic double-decker to India. Ashok Leyland was a pioneer among Indian manufacturers when it first launched the double-decker in 1967 in Mumbai and Switch is carrying forward that legacy.
"With our strong expertise in double-deckers in both India and the UK, and with over 100 Switch electric double-deckers in service on UK roads, we are happy to bring this icon back to life and look forward to introducing newer electric products for the Indian and European markets, always keeping customers at the forefront.”
The EiV 22 double-decker follows the recently revealed EiV 12 battery-electric single-decker for the Indian market. The EiV 12 will form part of a 5,000-unit deployment recently announced by Switch in collaboration with operator Chalo.
Pelican invests further as 1,000th Yutong sale is in sight
Pelican Bus and Coach has further expanded its aftersales support for the Yutong brand. It has opened a 12,000ft2 national parts distribution centre close to its existing facilities in West Yorkshire and appointed Sam Williams to the role of Yutong Bus and Coach Parts Operations Manager as it homes in on achieving the marque’s 1,000th UK sale.
Mr Williams brings what the dealership describes as “a wealth of experience of managing multi-site parts operations.” He is charged with optimising the parts stockholding and distribution function to maximise customer satisfaction and he will be visiting Yutong customers nationwide from September.
The new parts distribution centre is equipped with twin-level racking. That will allow it to stock sufficient parts to support all types of Yutong coaches and buses in service in the UK, and particularly its battery-electric range.
Developments in parts management for Pelican come as the business reports a 70% increase in turnover to £73m for the year ending 31 March. It has seen growth across all of its business areas, and describes interest in zero-emission coaches and buses as “fast growing… from all sections of the industry.” Sales of diesel coaches are also recovering well post-COVID-19.
By the end of 2022, there will be 240 battery-electric Yutong coaches and buses in service in the UK. Head of Pelican Yutong Bus Ian Downie notes that the dealership is “focused on growing our range and services to the UK’s coach operators, who have shown that they are keen to adopt the latest technology, adding greener and more efficient alternatives to their fleets.”
Pelican Managing Director Richard Crump (pictured, right) says that the milestone 1,000th Yutong sale is expected in early 2023.
“After the disruption of the last two years, we are seeing all parts of the business recovering well and we will be reinvesting our increases revenues in plant, resources and people to better support our customers into the future.”
Mr Downie adds that a “strong pipeline” of orders from both new and repeat customers for battery-electric vehicles is in hand for Pelican.
In coach, the dealership is seeing growing interest in Yutong products, says Coach Sales Manager Simon Collins. The sector “is demonstrating its resilience with increased orders and enquiries for our diesel and electric coach range, such as the market leading TC9," he explains.
“Our expanded sales force, including Amelia Crump, the fourth generation of the Crump family, is continually working with our customers on additional business.”
Camira celebrates partnership with TfL in new short film
Transport textile manufacturer Camira has produced a short film to celebrate its long running partnership with Transport for London (TfL).
The video comes as part of its ongoing series telling the story of its 200 years of heritage. It features an interview with Paul Marchant, Head of Product Design at TfL, who provides insight into why TfL has enjoyed a lasting relationship - over 100 years - with the textile manufacturer.
"The reason why we still use moquette, first and foremost, it's a London identity now," says Mr Marchant. "And I think that's a very powerful thing.
"The reason why we choose it: It's hardwearing, it absorbs sound, it's fire compliant, it's always the next moquette is actually my favourite."
The collaboration between TfL and Camira has seen the launch of textiles which have seen been "ensconced in the transport hall of fame" and feature designs by Edith Marx, Marianne Straub, and Wallace Sewell, responsible for fabric featured on the new Elizabeth Line.
In the film, Transport Creative Manager at Camira Ciara Crossan points to a positive future for the two brands: "The relationship with TfL is both collaborative and creative. we work together to create truly iconic designs that are known and loved across the globe.
"The future looks really bright between TfL and Camira. We're working on a number of different projects in the pipeline - so let's see what the next 200 years brings."