Ashok Leyland’s all-electric Versa bus plugs in at SIAM expo

Ashok Leyland chose the three-day Bus & Special Vehicle Show, organised by SIAM at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, to unveil the Versa EV from its UK arm Optare Plc.

Aimed at feeder, airport tarmac and intra-city applications, the low-floor Versa electric bus minimises environmental impact, including zero emissions and zero noise whilst matching the performance of a diesel vehicle, Ashok Leyland said in a statement.

With its low-weight integral structure, the Versa EV can accommodate up to 44 seats, optimising seating without consequent compromises in fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Available in lengths of 9.7m, 10.4m, 11.1m and 11.8m, the Versa EV remains incredibly agile on the tightest roads, the statement added.

 The bus has mechanically controlled air suspension, seat-mounted stanchions, regenerative braking, integrated charging points and on-board Wi-Fi for city passengers. A low floor and a wide door build facilitates single-step entry and the vehicle has features for physically-challenged passengers too.

“The Versa EV is ideally placed to help deliver on our government’s commitment to make urban transport efficient and reduce the country carbon footprint. We are one of the largest providers of electric and hybrid buses in the world and are happy to bring this to India,” said T Venkataraman, senior vice-president, Global Buses, Ashok Leyland.

Among other vehicles, Ashok Leyland also displayed the 12-metre FESLF CNG (front-engine, semi low-floor, compressed natural gas) and the MiTR School bus. The 12m FESLF CNG bus has a fire detection and suppression system (FDSS), fail-safe electrical system control, fault diagnostic system and Intelligent Driver System (IDIS). The bus comes with a ‘H’ series, 6-cylinder CNG BS IV-220 HP MPFI and TCIC engine, a front parabolic spring suspension and a rear air suspension with shock absorbers, tubeless radial tyres 295/80 R22.5 16PR, 720 litre cylinder water capacity and an engine-driven air-conditioning system.

The MiTR School bus, which is powered by a ZD30 engine, meets all regulatory norms (AIS 063 & AIS 052) including rollover tests for occupant safety, school code, bus code and central motor vehicle rules (CMVR). The bus has first-in-class front and rear parabolic leaf spring suspension, low NVH  (noise vibration and harshness) levels and  two emergency exit doors.