Claims 120 kms electric driving range on single charge, with 75 kmph top speed.
Ashok Leyland has unveiled the country's first 'made-in-India' all-electric bus 'Circuit' mini-bus at the company's facility in Chennai. Fully based on the company's Jan Bus Midi platform, the Circuit features a pure-electric powertrain along with a Lithium-ion battery pack.
The home-grown CV maker is keen on commercial launch of this EV in the near future. It added that the Circuit EV series will spawn multiple models and platforms suiting a variety of segment in the days to come. “The Circuit series of buses is another testament to Ashok Leyland’s commitment to leverage India’s technological innovation to deliver relevant and best-in-class solutions for India and the world", said Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director.
The Circuit mini-bus measures 8.2 metres long, with a wheelbase of 4.2 metres. Thanks to the space saving layout of electric powertrain and battery pack, the Circuit bus can accommodate 31 passengers, unlike its diesel-powered Jan Bus Midi with only 22 seats. Ashok Leyland has not revealed the technical details of the electric powertrain, its output figures, and the battery pack.
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| Ashok Leyland Circuit series of EVs will see new models in multiple platforms covering various segments in future |
Some of the technological features in this battery-electric urban bus includes an advanced telematics system and a driver information display with integrated speedometer that brings out the real-time status of the powertrain and the battery. There is a push-button gear selector for gear shifts, while an LCD screen in front of the driver displays the rear and cabin camera view. Moreover, there is also an on-board WiFi facility for the passengers, along with an individual USB port for every seat to charge mobile devices.
Also Read: Ashok Leyland HYBUS Hybrid-Electric Bus Using Ultra-Capacitors
Also Read: Ashok Leyland HYBUS Hybrid-Electric Bus Using Ultra-Capacitors
Last year at the BSVS 2015, Ashok Leyland presented its Optare Versa all-electric low-floor bus. Early this year at the 2016 Auto Expo, the company revealed its electric-hybrid Hybus powered by ultra-capacitors - India's first non-plugin series hybrid bus. With its commitment to bring in more eco-friendly models, we can expect more electric variants of its popular platforms from Ashok Leyland.
Meanwhile, the company is now gearing up for nation-wide customer deliveries of Guru range of light trucks.
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