August 19 2022: Mumbai’s transport undertaking, BEST  has got its first double decker electric bus – India’s first.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the AC double-decker electric bus that is anufactured by Ashok Leyland-backed Switch Mobility Ltd (Switch).
Taking to his Twitter handle, Gadkari said, "Ushering Sustainable Revolution! It gives me immense pleasure to launch the Ashok Leyland`s Electric Double-Decker Bus in Mumbai today..Giving Dynamic Boost to the sustainable transportation sector, such initiatives are cost-effective solutions cutting down oil imports and promoting indigenous resource & services.”
The Switch EiV22 has a 231kWh battery with a claimed range of up to 250km. A realistic range of 120-180km can be expected. The bus can gain a 100km of range with just a 45min charge, while a full charge takes 80 minutes.The bus has a Nickel, Manganese and Cobalt (NMC) battery that comes with an 8-year warranty.  Switch Mobility monitors the battery temperature remotely and informs the driver if they notice any discrepancy