IIT-Madras to run electric bus with innovative charging technology

IIT-Madras will run an electric bus, with an innovative charging technology, on the campus for students and staff.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ashok Leyland and the Indian Institute of Technology- Madras for the e-mobility pilot project. The electric bus will incorporate Hitachi ABB Power Grids' innovative flash-charging technology -- Grid eMotionTM Flash -- that will be provided by Ashok Leyland. IIT-Madras will host the infrastructure to operate the flash charging system for the bus.

Smart e-mobility is at a nascent stage in India. While the government is striving to scale up EV adoption to 30% by 2030, the mass public transport segment is largely untouched.

"For bus operators, the switch to electric has previously presented challenges. That is because with battery-operated buses it is difficult to maximize passenger load carrying capacity and running time while making the whole operation economically viable. An e-bus with flash-charging technology can solve that problem while improving the quality of life through reducing pollution in densely populated urban areas," a release from IIT-Madras said.

"We need to have all hands on deck - industry, academia and policymakers to develop a strong and reliable local ecosystem to support the Indian electric vehicle (EV) revolution," said N Venu, managing director of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India.

Ashok Leyland said they are proud to partner on yet another innovative solution in the e-bus segment.

"Combination of our robust buses with electric propulsion technology and flash charging from Hitachi ABB Power Grids can be the answer to the need for sustainable public transportation across the country," said N Saravanan, chief technology officer, Ashok Leyland.

"The development of India's e-mobility charging infrastructure and increased deployment of e-buses is key to meeting the demand for sustainable transport solutions across India's rural and urban areas," Bhaskar Ramamurthi, director of IIT-Madras said in the release.