Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group, today unveiled the Versa EV from its UK arm Optare plc, at the Bus & Special Vehicles Show organized by SIAM (Society of Automobile Manufacturers) in Greater Noida, Delhi NCR.
Ideal for feeder, airport tarmac and intra-city applications; Versa EV, the low-floor electric bus, minimises environmental impact, including zero emissions and zero noise; whilst matching the performance of a diesel vehicle. With its low-weight integral structure, Versa EV can accommodate up to 44 seats, optimising seating without consequent compromises in fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Available in lengths of 9.7m, 10.4m, 11.1m and 11.8m, Versa EV remains incredibly agile on the tightest roads.
Stylish body, spacious interiors, mechanically controlled air suspension, seat mounted stanchions, regenerative braking, integrated charging points and on-board Wi-Fi – Versa EV is designed to provide city passengers with new standards in travel comfort. Low-floor and wide door build facilitates single-step entry; while a superior seating arrangement (with dedicated space for wheel chair access), and foldable ramp allows hassle-free passenger movement and also reduces stoppage time at bus stops.
“With increased awareness and sensitivity around environment safety and carbon footprints, the timing for the introduction of an electric bus is optimal. Versa EV is ideally placed to help deliver on our Government’s commitment to make urban transport efficient and reduce our country’s carbon footprint. We are one of the largest provider of electric and hybrid buses in the world and today we are proud to bring this to India to help India move up the path of efficient, comfortable, responsible and sustainable urban transport” said T. Venkataraman- Sr. Vice President, Global Buses, Ashok Leyland.
Ashok Leyland also presented the 12m FESLF CNG (front-engine, semi low-floor, compressed natural gas) and the MiTR School bus at the SIAM show.
The 12m FESLF CNG bus has been designed with safety and user friendly features, including a fire detection and suppression system (FDSS), fail-safe electrical system control, fault diagnostic system, Intelligent Driver System (IDIS). The bus comes with a ‘H’ – series, 6-cylinder CNG BS IV-220 HP MPFI and TCIC engine, a front parabolic spring suspension and a rear air suspension with shock absorbers, tubeless radial tyres 295/80 R22.5 16PR, 720 litres cylinder water capacity and an engine-driven air-conditioning system. Along with other low-maintenance features that minimize downtime and reduce operator running cost, the 12m FESLF CNG bus is ideal as a feeder and a city transport bus.
MiTR School bus meets all regulatory norms (AIS 063 & AIS 052) including roll-over tests for occupant safety, school code, bus code and central motor vehicle rules (CMVR), it is powered by an advanced ZD30 engine, making it powerful and fuel efficient. Modern features such as the first-in-class front and rear parabolic leaf spring suspension, low NVH (noise vibration and harshness) levels inside the bus, low centre of gravity for improved stability, two emergency exit door, among others, make it the most ideal, safe and comfortable transport vehicle for school children.
