As per the Memorandum-of-Understanding (MoU), Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India, IIT Madras and Ashok Leyland will run an electric bus (e-bus) pilot to support sustainable in-campus commuting by IITM’s students and staff.

Hitachi ABB joins hands with Ashok Leyland and great IITM

IITM will host the infrastructure required to operate the flash-charging system for the e-bus.

Managing director of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India further said 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.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India is delighted to be partnering with Ashok Leyland and IITM to provide a zero-emissions mass public transportation bus system through their award-winning technology, localized for the Indian market, said Venu, MD of Hitachi ABB Power Grids.

Chief Technology Officer at Ashok Leyland Dr. N. Saravanan said as pioneers in the bus segment, they are proud to partner on yet another innovative solution in the e-bus segment.

Combination of their 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.

IIT Madras director Professor Bhaskar Ramamurthi 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.

Professor Ramamurthi said they hope to study and understand how the right technology can enable an efficient transport system without damaging the environment.

‘We are delighted to have partnered with ABB Hitachi Power Grids in India, Ashok Leyland who are the best in the industry for this endeavor.’

Smart e-mobility is at a nascent stage in India. While India’s government is striving to scale up EV adoption to 30 percent by 2030, the mass public transport segment is largely untouched.

For bus operators, the switch to electric has previously presented challenges.

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That is because with battery-operated buses it is difficult to maximize passenger load carrying capacity and running time while making the whole operation economically viable.

An e-bus with flash-charging technology can solve that problem while improving the quality of life through reducing pollution in densely populated urban areas.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ Grid-eMotionTM Flash technology
Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ innovative flash-charging system quickly tops up the battery while passengers get on and off the bus.

On arterial roads, an e-bus with this solution can reduce the need to take the vehicle out of service for recharging every few hours or having a replacement bus ready.

This helps minimize the size of the fleet while increasing passenger carrying capacity.

The technology can save as much as 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide on a line covering 600,000 kilometers per year and offer operating cost savings of 30 percent versus an equivalent diesel-transit system.

This brings business value to operators while enabling a low-carbon society.

Headquartered in Switzerland, the business serves utility, industry and infrastructure customers across the value chain, and emerging areas like sustainable mobility, smart cities, energy storage and data centers.

With a proven track record, global footprint and unparalleled installed base, Hitachi ABB Power Grids balances social, environmental and economic values.

It is committed to powering good for a sustainable energy future, with pioneering and digital technologies, as the partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.

Interested candidates can apply for Advanced E-SDP for New Venture Creation or the six-day programme Advanced MDP for Business Scale-Up for MSMEs. Both the programmes are free of cost for students and funded by ESDP, and MSME.

The Advanced E-SDP for New Venture Creation will run from February 3 to 7, 2025, while the Advanced MDP for Business Scale-Up for MSMEs will run from February 3 to 8, 2025.

The participants will be chosen following the ESDP guidelines. Their applications will be considered, and then they will be shortlisted. Selected participants may be called for further interaction. Results will be declared, and the admitted participants will receive admission confirmation.

The Advanced MDP for Business Scale-Up for MSMEs is a six-day programme designed to help MSME owners and managers overcome the challenges of business growth. The program will equip participants with strategies to expand their operations, build scalable business models, and achieve sustainable growth, according to the official IIM Raipur statement.

According to the official statement of IIM Raipur, participants who are 18 years and above with a graduation degree can apply. The institute invites participants from all over the country with a focus on Chhattisgarh. Graduates from SC, ST, OBC, women, and PH categories are encouraged to apply.

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