Tata Motors bags order for 25 hybrid buses from MMRDA

Tata Motors has signed a contract to supply 25 Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus with Full Low floor configuration, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) – the single largest order awarded for Hybrid Electric vehicle technology. With these buses, the MMRDA will connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railways stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next one year, improving feeder services, to the fastest-growing business hub in Mumbai.

Developed indigenously, the Tata Starbus Full Low Floor Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus is economically viable, safe and environmentally friendly. Series Hybrid technology offers lowest cost of ownership, with improved fuel savings of the order of 25-30 per cent, reduction in emissions in comparison to conventional buses & runs on pure electric mode, for around 30-35pc of the total travel distance.

Uniquely engineered for ease of operations, the Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus, can run without the requirement of external charging infrastructures, due to integration of on- board charging, via a BSIV compliant engine & energy storage through advanced Lithium Ion Nano-Phosphate Batteries. While the batteries are re-charged by running of the Diesel powertrain, the system also regenerates braking energy through advanced electronic  braking system. The technology thus makes adoption of such advanced buses hassle-free, without investing in high cost of charging stations at bus depots or enroute, thereby giving operators the much needed range and flexibility to shift bus routes as per demand and need.

The Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus, is also fitted with CCT cameras that can record movement inside the bus. The bus is also designed with a wide passage-way for free movement, wider window panes for better visibility, along with wider and lower entry/exit doors, making this new bus safe and convenient for commuters to enjoy public transportation.

The bus also incorporates ITS (Intelligence Transport Systems) for public information, through GPS via electronic destination display boards, indicating expected time of arrival at bus stops and route announcements within the bus etc. Further, bucket type seats, softer suspension, tubeless tyres and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) ensures that passengers are comfortable.

Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors Ltd. said, “At Tata Motors we continue to play an active role in supporting millions of commuters every day, with a range of product solutions across segments and the Tata Starbus Hybrid Electric Bus is one of them. With this indigenously developed city bus, we are extremely pleased to partner MMRDA for 25 such buses, for a shared vision of sustainable cost-efficient transport solutions. With electric mobility as a solution for the future, we are fully geared to cater to the huge potential arising for these technologies, right here in India.” 

Dr. AK Jindal, Head – Engineering Research Centre (Commercial Vehicles), Tata Motors Ltd. said, “The Starbus Diesel Electric Hybrid Bus is one of the most advanced vehicle developed by Tata Motors in line with our philosophy of offering most fuel efficient and environment friendly vehicles, with various features, offering best-in-class comfort and convenient features for urban commuters. The vehicle is based on the company’s understanding the needs of various transport authorities for public transport and is tested  under various conditions, around the globe. A new transport solution, the Starbus Hybrid, is developed, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders – for clean, safe, affordable and comfortable commuting.”