The MoU outlines a partnership to develop a pilot electric bus based on ABB’s innovative flash-charge technology, TOSA, which tops up the battery in just seconds while passengers get on and off the bus.

Ashok Leyland and ABB Power Products and Systems India Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the public e-mobility space, to expand the eco-system for efficient and greener electric bus transportation systems in India. The MoU outlines a partnership to develop a pilot electric bus based on ABB's innovative flash-charge technology, TOSA, which tops up the battery in just seconds while passengers get on and off the bus. This avoids the need to take the vehicle out of service for recharging every few hours or having a replacement bus ready, thus minimizing the size of the fleet while increasing passenger carrying capacity.
"We are pushing the boundaries of e-mobility with our flash-charging technology TOSA for buses to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and sustainable future. The aim is to provide a zero-local emission mass public transportation bus system with high passenger capacity. We are pleased to be working with Ashok Leyland in advancing responsible urban mobility," said N. Venu, Managing Director, ABB Power Products and Systems India Limited (ABB Power Grids' business in India).
The Indian Government is promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs), in some cases planning on mandating it, to reach 30 per cent penetration of EVs by 2030. For operators, the switch to electric is a big ask. Their primary challenge with battery-operated buses is to maximise passenger load carrying capacity and running time to make the whole operation economically viable as well as sustainable for the future.
To solve this problem, Ashok Leyland - India's largest bus manufacturer, and the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world - will develop and manufacture electric buses with ABB's award-winning TOSA flash-charging technology along with operational support and service.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland, said, "Ashok Leyland has always been at the forefront of innovation and indigenous technology, providing class-leading vehicles that have met and exceeded customer expectations. In this journey, to stay competitive in our Domestic and Global markets, we are joining hands with ABB to use their world-renowned TOSA technology on our e-buses to take forward our vision of expanding in the EV space. This solution of the flash charge technology (TOSA) which enables charging the battery in seconds, is another example of  us delivering on our brand promise of ‘Aapki Jeet. Hamari Jeet."

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