Olectra-BYD, the partnership between China-based EV major BYD and Olectra (Goldstone) one of the largest domestic manufacturer of silicone rubber and composite insulators for power transmission and distribution networks, today delivered 10 eBuzz k7 electric bus to the Brihan Mumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST).

The 9-metre eBuzz K7’s are procured from Olectra-BYD, as part of its 40 AC and non-AC bus order on Gross Cost Contract basis. The company says the deployment of the buses follows the hugely successful trial deployment of 6 electric buses of 9-metre length (eBuzz K7) in November 2017 by BEST which placed it as the first STU in the country to deploy e-buses. These e-buses were deployed under FAME 1 (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles) Scheme of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, government of India.

The 10 new 9-metre electric buses (eBuzz K7) were flagged off by Uddhav Thackeray in the presence of Dr Surendrakumar Bagde, General Manager – BEST;  Anand Swaroop, COO, Olectra, amongst others from BEST office at Colaba, Mumbai. The company says after the deployment of all the 46 ebuses, BEST will transport around 1 million passengers every month in this zero-emission public transport. In addition to these, BEST is also planning to procure 250 more e-buses to facilitate the commuters to travel in environment friendly electric buses. On an average, running of the 46 e-buses will result in huge reduction in Carbon emissions to the tune of 1.2 crore tonnes of CO2, avoids using 37 lakh litres of diesel saving significant costs on fuel each year by BEST and equivalent to planting 60,000 trees.

On the latest deployment under BEST,  Anand Swaroop, COO, Olectra Greentech said, “Olectra is committed to make zero emission public transport available for the commuters with an objective of curbing the alarming rate at which the air pollution is increasing in the country. Olectra is introducing different models to suit the various requirements in various Indian cities. Our leadership in the segment is backed by continued expansion and innovation in e-buses that have proved their competency in functioning efficiently across varied terrains and geographies. As of now, Olectra has the largest market share in electric buses commercially operating on India roads.”

“In the long run, Electric Vehicles would play a significant role in not only preserving the nature but also in yielding macro-economic benefits including conserving the valuable forex for the nation due to reduced dependency on fossil fuel,” added Swaroop.

The new fleet of 9-metre air-conditioned and non-cir-conditioned low floor buses, can travel up to 200km in a single charge based on traffic conditions. The high-power fast AC charging system enables the battery to get fully charged within 2-3 hour. It has a capacity of 32+1 (driver) seats with an electronically controlled air suspension to ensure a comfortable ride to the passengers. The buses are also equipped with 3 CCTV cameras with continuous recording of data offering enhanced safety to the passengers during the commute. The eBuzz K7 also has regenerative braking system which enables the bus to recover part of the kinetic energy lost in braking. The eBuzz K 7 also provides protection from short circuit, over temperature function and lightening to ensure a safe ride to the passengers.