OHM Global Mobility, a subsidiary of AshokLeyland, has bagged an order for 500 12-m ultra-lowfloor electric buses from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC),Chennai. OHM is AshokLeyland’s electric mobility arm, focused on Mobility-as-a-Service business.

Switch Mobility, another subsidiary of AshokLeyland, shall supply state-of-the-art, Switch EiV12 model buses to OHM, who,in turn, shall operate and maintain the buses over a period of 12 years, as perthe contract awarded by MTC. While 400 of these buses will be non-AC, 100 buseswill be equipped with air-conditioning as well, ensuring a comfortable commutefor passengers across the city of Chennai.

The electric buses are designed to comfortablyseat 37 passengers, with space for an additional 24 standing passengers. With arange of over 200 kilometres per charge, these buses are ideal for Chennai’slong city routes, ensuring uninterrupted service across the city’s vast urbanlandscape.

Engineered for both comfort and efficiency, thebuses feature an ultra-low-floor design, enabling faster and easier boarding,which not only enhances passenger convenience but also improves overallaccessibility and reduces travel time.

The SWITCH EiV12 is powered by a robust 650Velectric architecture and features IP67-rated batteries, ensuring durabilityand safety. Designed for inclusivity, the bus is equipped with a wheelchairramp and secure anchorage points, making it fully wheelchair accessible.

It also offers the highest seating capacity inits segment, with chassis-mounted batteries that provide lower centre ofgravity, enhancing stability and manoeuvrability in congested urban areas.

To ensure efficient operations, charginginfrastructure will be developed at six key depots: Perumbur, Perumbakam, Poonamalle,Vyasapandi, Thondiapet, and KK Nagar. These charging hubs will ensure that thebuses can operate efficiently across the city, reducing downtime and enablingconsistent service delivery.