Within a week of launching India’s first electric bus, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is said to have floated global tenders to procure hybrid buses.

This information was confirmed by a top level official attached to BMTC. Further, the official said the corporation is likely to buy buses through the funds sanctioned under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM). The centre has sanctioned 50 hybrid buses for BMTC.

Although hybrid buses cost substantially higher than conventional AC low-floor diesel-engined models, BMTC has decided to procure them as part of its initiative to promote green vehicles in its fleet. Since the hybrid bus runs both on diesel and battery power, diesel consumption per bus can be substantially reduced on longer runs.  

On February 28, BMTC had launched India’s first electric bus for passenger service in Bangalore. The e-bus, supplied by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, is being run on a trial basis for three months.

Photograph: BMTC’s e-bus supplied by BYD, which began operations in Bangalore last week.