Switch Mobility Expects E-Bus Volumes to Surpass 6,000 Units in 2024, Aims for Sustainable Growth.

India’s electric bus (e-bus) market is witnessing rapid growth, with annual volumes expected to surpass 6,000 units in 2024, up from 4,000 units in 2022. Mahesh Babu, CEO of Switch Mobility, the electric vehicle division of Ashok Leyland and part of the Hinduja Group, highlighted the sector’s momentum and the company’s strategic initiatives during the Bharat Mobility Expo.

“The market has consistently grown over the past three years. Tender processes have matured, moving from aggressive, unsustainable pricing to balanced rates that benefit both State Transport Undertakings (STUs) and the broader ecosystem,” Babu said in an interview with businessline. He added that by year-end, tender processes would likely stabilise further, enabling more sustainable bids in the coming years.

Expanding Order Book and Sustainable Models

Switch Mobility currently has an order pipeline of 1,900 e-buses, to be delivered over the next 12–15 months. Key orders include:

• 950 buses under a central tender (CSL)


• 320 buses for Bengaluru (state tender)


• 500 buses for Chennai (state tender)

The company has also delivered five double-decker buses to Bhubaneswar and secured an additional order for 20 buses from Uttar Pradesh.

Babu emphasised the need for sustainable pricing models to ensure the viability of the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) approach. “India’s diverse market demands a blend of financing, operational, and procurement models, including outright purchases and GCC contracts, to cater to regional needs effectively,” he explained.

Product Innovations and Future Plans

Switch Mobility recently launched the EiV12 low-floor electric city bus, expanding its portfolio to meet the needs of domestic and international markets. The company is also tapping into the growing intercity e-bus segment, driven by private operators.

“Our EiV12 intercity bus has been well-received, offering top-tier features like high seat capacity, reclining seats, air conditioning, and ample luggage space,” Babu noted. Switch Mobility has delivered 100 intercity buses to Uttar Pradesh, with an additional 30 now operational on routes such as Agra and nearby cities.

In addition, the company introduced the IEV 8 electric truck, designed for mid-mile logistics, intercity travel, and e-commerce. With a range of 250 km per charge, it caters to sectors requiring the transportation of perishable goods and white goods from warehouses to showrooms and end-users.

“This truck was developed based on feedback from IEV 3 fleet operators, who expressed the need for larger vehicles to meet rising demand,” Babu said.

Doubling Revenue and Future Outlook

Switch Mobility has doubled its volume and revenue compared to the previous year, with plans to sustain this growth trajectory over the next three years.

As the Indian e-bus market evolves, the company’s focus on innovation, sustainable pricing, and customer-centric product development positions it as a key player in driving the country’s transition to green mobility.

HBL