Highlights:
- The total order of 340 e-buses includes 200 units of the 9-meter model with 25 seats and 140 units of the 12-meter model with 35 seats
- E-buses are procured by BEST as part of the FAME II initiative.
Tata Motors has delivered 35 state-of-the-art Starbus electric buses (E-Bus) to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) as part of the larger order of 340 electric buses. BEST is a public transportation and electricity provider based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Tata Motors has undertaken to build, provide, maintain and operate the complete charging infrastructure together with the buses. The company will deliver the rest of the order in stages according to the schedule. BEST’s procurement of the buses was made possible through the Government of India’s FAME II initiative, and the delivery is part of BEST’s very first Gross Cost Contract (GCC).
The 12-meter-long, 35-seat Tata Starbus AC-E-buses are equipped with advanced features for the comfort of the driver and passengers, such as: “Lift Mechanism”, which extends an automated ramp for boarding and alighting for passengers with disabilities, along with ergonomic seats, spacious interiors, utilities such as charging sockets and wide entry and exit passages.
The fully electric buses are equipped with an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), a telematics system and a regenerative braking system, among other things. The buses have been tested and validated by Tata Motors in different terrains and conditions and are designed to a high standard of performance.
Regarding deliveries, Lokesh Chandra, General Manager of BEST Undertaking said, “We are very excited to receive 35 Starbus AC electric buses from Tata Motors. BEST’s vision of introducing more and more electric buses will go a long way in reducing tailpipe emissions and benefit millions of Mumbaikars. BEST remains committed to the government’s focus on the electrification of the fleet. “
Tata Motors claims to be the leading provider of transportation and mobility solutions for the country, including battery-electric, hybrid, CNG, LNG and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company has received an order from Indian Oil Corporation Ltd for 15 hydrogen fuel cell buses. It has delivered 525 electric buses to several states that have covered more than 15 million kilometers together.
“We are delighted to be delivering Tata Starbus e-buses to BEST as part of the larger contract. The delivery of these buses will further strengthen our partnership with BEST and contribute to environmentally friendly mass mobility for the city of Mumbai. The buses are packed with modern features that make them easy to use and provide comfort and convenience with spacious interiors and ergonomic seats, says Mr. Rohit Srivastava, Vice President, Product Line – Buses, Tata Motors.
These 35 electric buses were honored by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Uddhav Thackeray, along with dignitaries of the Maharashtra State Government, BEST and Tata Motors, at an event in Mahim, Mumbai.
