BEST deploys a second set of electric buses from Olectra-BYD enabling all-round benefits to passenger comfort environment, cost-saving and supports its efforts in finding sustainable mobility solutions.

Brihan Mumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) has deployed 10 state of art 9-Meter (eBuzz K7) electric buses procured from Olectra-BYD as part of its 40 AC & non-AC bus order on Gross Cost Contract basis. The deployment of this lot of buses follows the hugely successful trial deployment of 6 electric buses of 9-meter length (eBuzz K7) in November 2017 by BEST. The move to add 40 more e-buses by BEST is basis the extremely positive response it received from the passengers on a daily basis for the level of comfort, smooth ride and making every passenger feel proud for contributing to a greener Mumbai. These e-Buses were deployed under FAME 1 (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles) Scheme of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India.

The 10 new 9-meter electric buses (eBuzz K7) were flagged off by Mr. Uddhav Thackeray in the presence of high-profile dignitaries. Post the deployment of all the 46 e-Buses, BEST will transport around 1 Million passengers every month in this zero-emission public transport. In addition to these, BEST is also planning to procure 250 more electric buses to facilitate the commuters to travel in environment-friendly electric buses. 

On the latest deployment under BEST, Mr. Anand Swaroop, Chief Operating Officer - Olectra Greentech said, “Olectra is committed to making zero-emission Public Transport available for the commuters with an objective of curbing the alarming rate at which the Air pollution is increasing in the country. Olectra is introducing different models to suit the various requirements in various Indian cities. Our leadership in the segment is backed by continued expansion and innovation in e-Buses that have proved their competency in functioning efficiently across varied terrains and geographies. As of now, Olectra has the largest market share in Electric Buses commercially operating on India roads.”

Deployed under BEST, the new fleet of 9-Meter Air-Conditioned and non-air-conditioned low floor buses can travel up to 200 KMs in a single charge based on traffic conditions. The high-power fast AC charging system enables the battery to get fully charged within 2-3 hours. It has a capacity of 32+1 (Driver) seats with an electronically controlled air suspension to ensure a comfortable ride to the passengers. The buses are also equipped with 3 CCTV cameras with continuous recording of data offering enhanced safety to the passengers during the commute. The technologically advanced eBuzz K7 has a regenerative braking system which enables the bus to recover part of the kinetic energy lost in braking. eBuzz K 7 also provides protection from short circuit, over-temperature function and lightening to ensure a safe ride to the passengers.