Ashok Leyland plans to launch a fully electric bus
'Versa' in India by 2017.
The 36-seater bus, which is being showcased at the
4th Bus and Special Vehicle Show here, can go 90 miles in one charge and is a
zero emissions vehicle.
Ashok Leyland Vice President, Buses, T Venkataraman said
"Depending upon the regulations, we expect to launch this vehicle in the
country in the next two years,".
The vehicle comes as a completely built unit (CBU)
from the Hinduja flagship firm’s UK based arm Optare.
Elaborating on the features of the bus, Venkataraman
said the bus emits zero noise and consumes just one unit of electricity for
covering a distance of one kilometer.
"With increased awareness and sensitivity
around environment safety and carbon footprints, the timing for the
introduction of an electric bus is optimal. Versa is ideally placed to help
deliver on our government's commitment to make urban transport efficient and
reduce our country's carbon footprint," Venkataraman said.
The company is one of the largest providers of
electric and hybrid buses in the world and this electric vehicle would help
India move up the path of "efficient, comfortable, responsible and
sustainable urban transport", he added.
In a move to boost electric vehicles sales in the
country, the Indian government has earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for the National
Electric Mobility Mission Plan for the next two financial years.
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