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Electric buses take center stage in India's push for green transportation

Ashok Leyland Ltd., the flagship company of conglomerate Hinduja Group, broke ground last month on a manufacturing plant for electric commercial vehicles in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

March 07, 2024 / 15:05 IST
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Ashok Leyland says their facility will have an initial capacity of 2,500 vehicles with production climbing to 5,000 annually over the next decade. It should be ready to start operations by the end of 2025. (Representational image)

After scooters, electric buses are India’s next big focus when it comes to accelerating the country’s slow shift to cleaner transport.

Auto manufacturers are getting on board. Ashok Leyland Ltd., the flagship company of conglomerate Hinduja Group, broke ground last month on a manufacturing plant for electric commercial vehicles in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The Chennai-based firm says the facility will have an initial capacity of 2,500 vehicles with production climbing to 5,000 annually over the next decade. It should be ready to start operations by the end of 2025.

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“The primary focus will be on the production of electric buses, while also having the capability to produce other vehicles powered by existing and other emerging alternate fuels,” Ashok Leyland Chief Executive Officer Shenu Agarwal said. “We will make products for both Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility from this plant,” he added, with reference to Ashok Leyland’s EV arm.

Tata Motors Ltd. unit TML Smart City Mobility Solutions, meanwhile, expects to deploy 3,300 e-buses on roads by fiscal 2025, and Olectra Greentech Ltd., which has a partnership with China’s BYD Co., is constructing a new e-bus plant that’s forecast to start production in July, according to local media. It intends to deliver at least 2,500 e-buses by fiscal 2025.