Chennai, Nov 27 (Agency) Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India (listed on the stock exchanges as ‘ABB Power Products and Systems India Ltd.’) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ashok Leyland and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) for an e-mobility pilot.
The trio will run an electric bus (e-bus) pilot to support sustainable in-campus commuting by IIT-M’s students and staff. The e-bus, which will incorporate Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ innovative flash charging technology – Grid-eMotionTM Flash, will be provided by India’s largest bus manufacturer, Ashok Leyland, a release from IIT-M said on Friday. IIT-M will host the infrastructure required to operate the flash charging system for the e-bus. “We need to have all hands on deck–industry, academia and policymakers to develop a strong and reliable local ecosystem to support the Indian electric vehicle (EV) revolution,” said N Venu, Managing Director, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India. “With sound policy levers in place, this partnership–engaging some of the finest industry and academic minds in India–creates a truly sustainable framework for e-mobility”, he said.
”We are delighted to be partnering with Ashok Leyland and IIT-M to provide a zero-emissions mass public transportation bus system through our award-winning technology, localized for the Indian market”, he said. “As pioneers in the bus segment, we are proud to partner on yet another innovative solution in the e-bus segment. Combination of our robust buses with electric propulsion technology and flash charging from Hitachi ABB Power Grids, can be the answer to the need for sustainable public transportation across the country,” Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland, said. “The development of India’s e-mobility charging infrastructure and increased deployment of e-buses is key to meeting the demand for sustainable transport solutions across India’s rural and urban areas,” IIT-M Director Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi said.