IIT Madras Campus To Get e-Bus From Ashok Leyland Powered By Hitachi ABB Power Grids

The pilot project lead by triumvirate will run an electric bus (e-bus) for intra campus commuting by IITM's students and staff. The e-bus will be enabled with flash-charging technology from Grid-eMotionTM Flash. IIT Madras will host the infrastructure required to operate the flash-charging system for the e-bus.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids' innovative flash-charging system quickly charges the battery while passengers get on and off the bus. As a result, there is no need to take the bus out of service for recharging every few hours or having a replacement bus ready, which will help reduce the fleet size.

According to the company, the technology can save as much as 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide on a line covering 6,00,000 kilometres per year. Additionally, it will offer operating cost savings of 30 per cent as compared to a diesel-powered fleet.

N Venu, Managing Director, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India, said, "We need to have all hands on deck - industry, academia and policymakers to develop a strong and reliable local ecosystem to support the Indian electric vehicle (EV) revolution. With sound policy levers in place, this partnership - engaging some of the finest industry and academic minds in India - creates a truly sustainable framework for e-mobility."

He further added, "We are delighted to be partnering with Ashok Leyland and IITM to provide a zero-emissions mass public transportation bus system through our award-winning technology, localized for the Indian market."

Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, said, "The development of India's e-mobility charging infrastructure and increased deployment of e-buses is key to meeting the demand for sustainable transport solutions across India's rural and urban areas."

He further added, "We hope to study and understand how the right technology can enable an efficient transport system without damaging the environment. We are delighted to have partnered with the best in the industry for this endeavour."

Thoughts About IIT Madras Campus Getting e-Bus From Ashok Leyland Powered By Hitachi ABB Power Grids

The e-bus from Ashok Leyland powered by Hitachi ABB Power Grids is expected to bring a revolutionary change is public transportation. The fast charging technology will help reduce fleet size without the need for a backup vehicle. This would result in reducing pollution and also traffic congestion, which is normally caused to more buses plying on roads.