Lucknow (TAN): In a bid to check the increasing pollution levels in urban spaces, India is gradually shifting towards electric vehicles for its public transport services. Lucknow, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, has joined the movement by embracing electrification of its public buses.
Lucknow City Transport Services Ltd (LCTSL), in partnership with Tata Motors, will run 40 electric buses in the city in the upcoming four months, media reports said.
[ALSO READ: IndiGo’s new flight route: Istanbul to become airline’s 16th international destination]
Tata Motors will deliver 40 units of the Ultra 9m AC Electric buses in phases, the first of which was flagged off earlier this week by Minister of Urban Development Suresh Kumar Khanna.
The electric bus, which embarked on its journey from Alambagh depot, will follow the Gomti Nagar route.
Production of made-in-India electric buses
The Ultra buses, manufactured at Tata Motors and Tata Marcopolo Dharwad plants, will have a range of up to 150 kilometres on a single charge. Tata Motor has installed a charging station at the Alambagh depot for fast charging of the electric buses.
The Lithium-ion batteries have been placed on the roof to avoid breakdown caused by waterlogging. Also, the batteries are liquid cooled to sustain their temperature within an optimum range and ensure a longer life.
[ALSO READ: Indonesia sets target to attract 1.5 millions Australian tourists in 2019]
The buses are air-conditioned, and can comfortably accommodate 31 passengers. They are fitted with an integrated electric motor generator that delivers a peak power of 333HP and a continuous power of 197HP to provide easy driving in crowded roads.
For the first time, presence of air suspension for both front and rear axles will make journeys more relaxed for passengers. Tata Motors has tested the electric buses in varied terrains, across states such as Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Assam and Maharashtra.
[ALSO READ: New rules to check spiralling vacation rental rates in Traverse City, Michigan, US]
Total order comprises 255 electric buses
The 40 buses meant for LCTSL are part of a total order of 255 electric buses for six public transport undertakings in the country, including WBTC (West Bengal), AICTSL (Indore), ASTC (Guwahati), J&KSRTC (Jammu) and JCTSL (Jaipur).
Also, Tata Motors plans to come up with its electric mini-bus segment in the future.
