Operators in Vidarbha now have a zero‑emission coach that can haul 45 passengers without re‑charging across long stretches. The Switch EiV12m is a 12‑meter chassis built for intercity use, with a 350‑km range that lets it cover the 150‑km Nagpur–Chandrapur loop in a single charge.
The bus can be topped up to 80 % in just 45 minutes thanks to Switch’s fast‑charge technology, a feature that keeps it on the road longer and reduces downtime for daily routes.
In the crowded Indian electric‑coach market, the EiV12m sits between Volvo’s 144‑seat model and Tata’s 48‑seat electric bus. While Volvo offers a higher seat count, Switch delivers a tighter 45‑seat configuration that fits the average intercity demand in smaller cities, making it a more economical pick for operators.
Maharashtra’s recent mandate to introduce electric buses on public routes cuts import duties and encourages local procurement. By partnering with Purple Bus, Switch is tapping into a policy that rewards early adopters with reduced taxes and faster approvals.
The current order is for 50 buses, with the first six already flagged off. Purple Bus plans to roll out the remaining 44 units over the next 18 months, expanding coverage across the Vidarbha region.
Looking ahead, the next milestone is the full deployment of the 50‑unit fleet, which should see the EiV12m serving daily commuters, school kids, and tourists alike. Keep an eye on ridership data and maintenance costs to gauge the real‑world impact of this electric shift.