- To commemorate its Platinum Jubilee, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari unveils Electric LCV from Switch Mobility
- Today we are proud to launch the IeV series from Switch Mobility and showcase pioneering technologies through the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus for NTPC, and the Hydrogen Engine Truck for Reliance: Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland
- SWITCH Mobility Ltd has invested Rs. 100 crore in R & D facilities for Electric Light Commercial Vehicles: Price & delivery schedule will be announced in January 2024: Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility Ltd
R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, SEP 7
‘Koi Manzil Door Nahin’ (No destination is too distant to Achieve) for Ashok Leyland as we commemorate 75th year of operations, said Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, Hinduja Group here on Thursday.
To mark this occasion, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, unveiled the ground-breaking Electric Light Commercial Vehicles from Switch Mobility – the IeV Series at a grand gala event in Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam.
Addressing at the launch event, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility said, “Ashok Leyland’s 75-year journey is a story of transformation and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead to the future with excitement and determination and renew our pledge to further shape the future of the CV Industry. We have set our sights on pioneering sustainable transportation solutions and aim to support India’s economic development for years to come”.
Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “Over the course of its remarkable journey, Ashok Leyland has consistently redefined industry standards, setting benchmarks for cutting-edge technology in its products and services, and partnering with marquee names in offering innovative, customer-centric solutions. Today we are proud to launch the IeV series from Switch Mobility and showcase pioneering technologies through the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus for NTPC, and the Hydrogen Engine Truck for Reliance. The 75th anniversary celebration is not just a reflection of the company’s history, but a testament to its determination to continue shaping the future of mobility.”
Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility Ltd., said, “The launch of our SWITCH IeV Series electric vehicles is a defining moment for SWITCH, having established a strong reputation in the e-bus market. With the SWITCH iON Standard at its core, a versatile range of options, diverse charging solutions, exceptional performance, and operational ease as its hallmark, the SWITCH IeV Series is a testament of our dedication to driving positive change in the industry”.
He said, the IeV Series is India’s first electric commercial vehicles in its category and aims to provide efficient and eco-friendly solutions for last mile transportation needs. The SWITCH IeV presents an incredibly attractive value proposition for MSMEs, cottage industries, and e-commerce in India with its exceptionally low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) coupled with a commitment to high uptime. This series encapsulates our dedication to shaping an eco-conscious future, catering to evolving urban mobility needs while setting new standards for efficiency and innovation, he added.
Replying to a query he said, ‘SWITCH Mobility Ltd has invested Rs. 100 crore in R & D facilities for Electric Light Commercial Vehicles: Price & delivery schedule will be announced in January 2024.
Features of SWITCH IeV Series
The state-of-the-art SWITCH IeV Series (IeV 3 and IeV 4), enabled with a 330 V High Voltage EV Architecture sets a new benchmark in the 2~3.5T commercial vehicle category for unparalleled efficiency and performance. These vehicles come equipped with a spacious cargo body extending up to 9.7 feet, capable of holding up to 340 cubic feet of containers. The Switch IeV series is equipped with a spacious cabin for one to enjoy clutch-less operation, generous legroom, ample headroom, and the convenience of sliding and reclining seats, along with Foldable Parking Brakes.
With the industry-first electric power steering system, these series ensure a comfortable and effortless driving experience. With a robust battery pack ranging from 25.6 to 32.2 kWh, the SWITCH IeV Series will deliver an impressive and efficient range of up to 300 kilometres of operation in a day (with Opportunity Charging), with the best-in-class Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). These electric vehicles boast of a payload of up to 1.7 tons and has adopted the Switch iON system that offers over 20+ customized features, providing real-time vehicle information, insights on the vehicle’s position, operating route, trip history, and the condition of EV aggregates, among others, all contributing to streamlined operations and ease of driving.
Ashok Leyland showcases 9-metre Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus developed for NTPC
Ashok Leyland also showcased the new, 9-meter, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus developed for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). This is India’s first fuel cell bus that will commercially ply on country’s roads. The company also exhibited the country’s first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Truck, which was earlier launched in collaboration with Reliance Industries. This showcases Ashok Leyland’s partnership approach to develop cutting-edge sustainable mobility solutions for long-distance transportation challenges.
Dream Drive
As part of its 75th-anniversary celebrations, Ashok Leyland also launched a new initiative – ‘Dream Drive’ – a journey across the length and breadth of the country, with 10 Ashok Leyland vehicles driven on five different routes, culminating at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plants today.
Through this, Ashok Leyland engaged with its extensive network of customers, dealers, suppliers, and other partners, establishing a direct connection with all its key stakeholders including drivers, mechanics, and financiers to pay gratitude for their contribution.
Manzil ka Safar
‘Manzil ka Safar’ with the iconic Stallion defence vehicles was another drive that travelled 4000+ kms from Kanyakumari to Leh to recognize its long-standing partnership with the Indian defence forces.
With a legacy rooted in innovation and a future driven by sustainability, Ashok Leyland stands poised to excel for generations to come. The company’s 75th anniversary celebration not only recognises its past successes but also foreshadows a time in the future when cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibilities converge seamlessly.
