Tata Motors confirms 25 hybrid Starbus order from MMRDA

Everything’s official about it now. About a month after Autocar Professional had first reported that Tata Motors had bagged a contract to supply 25 of its Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus to the e Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the company has announced the deal officially today.

This order constitutes the single largest business awarded for hybrid electric vehicle technology in the country. With these buses, MMRDA will connect the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railway stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next year, improving feeder services, to the fastest-growing business hub in Mumbai.

Developed indigenously, the Tata Starbus Full Low Floor Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus is economically viable, safe and environmentally friendly. Series hybrid technology offers lowest cost of ownership, with improved fuel savings of the order of 25-30%, reduction in emissions in comparison to conventional buses and runs on pure electric mode, for around 30-35% of the total travel distance.

Engineered for ease of operations, the Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus can run without the requirement of external charging infrastructures, due to integration of on-board charging, via a BS IV-compliant engine and energy storage through advanced Lithium Ion Nano-Phosphate Batteries. While the batteries are re-charged by running of the diesel powertrain, the system also regenerates braking energy through advanced electronic  braking system. The technology thus makes adoption of such advanced buses hassle-free, without investing in high cost of charging stations at bus depots or en route, thereby giving operators the much-needed range and flexibility to shift bus routes as per demand and need.

The Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus is also fitted with CCT cameras that can record movement inside the bus. The bus is also designed with a wide passage-way for free movement, wider window panes for better visibility, along with wider and lower entry/exit doors, making this new bus safe and convenient for commuters to enjoy public transportation.

The bus also incorporates ITS (Intelligence Transport Systems) for public information, through GPS via electronic destination display boards, indicating expected time of arrival at bus stops and route announcements. Further, bucket-type seats, softer suspension, tubeless tyres and lower NVH levels ensure that passengers are comfortable.

Commenting on the MMRDA order, Ravi Pisharody, executive director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “We are extremely pleased to partner MMRDA for 25 of these indigenously developed city buses as a shared vision of sustainable cost-efficient transport solutions. With electric mobility as a solution for the future, we are fully geared to cater to the huge potential arising for these technologies, right here in India.” 

Dr AK Jindal, Head – Engineering Research Centre (Commercial Vehicles), Tata Motors, added, “The Starbus Diesel Electric Hybrid Bus is one of the most advanced vehicles developed by Tata Motors in line with our philosophy of offering fuel efficient and environment-friendly vehicles, with various features, offering best-in-class comfort and convenient features for urban commuters. The vehicle has been tested under various conditions, around the world. The Starbus Hybrid is a win-win situation for all stakeholders for clean, safe, affordable and comfortable commuting.”