Electric commercial vehicle firm Switch Mobility has revealed its new Switch e1 electric bus, which is the first machine it has developed purely for the European market.
The new machine is the fourth-generation of electric bus Switch has developed, but has been designed with a clean sheet. It sits in the 12-metre bus segment, and has capacity for up to 93 passengers, with up to 30 of those seated.
The e1 features a 389kWh battery, giving it a range of 242 miles. It can be fast-charged in around three hours, or in around seven hours on an A/C connection. Switch says that the use of a lightweight monocoque construction means the machine weighs under 10,800kg.
The e1 is also equipped with Switch’s iAlert system that allows for remote real-time diagnostics and monitoring, along with safety features including electronic stability control and blind spot monitoring.
The interior os the bus has been designed with a focus on passenger comfort, and is fitted with reading and under-seat lights, USB ports and a large monitor that has space to display the next five stops, as well as local public transport information. There is a low floor to improve wheelchair access, which is available through both the front and rear doors.
Switch boss Andy Palmer said: “We are proud to continue innovating the sector with not only one of the lightest widely available buses in Europe, but our first fully electric bus designed specifically for the European market.”
Switch also builds the Metrodecker and Metrocity buses, with the latter the first electric bus to go into service in London. The firm was created out of the EV projects of bus giants Ashok Leyland and Optare, and has facilities in Leeds, UK and Chennai, India.
The Switch e1 will be built in Spain.
READ MORE
Subscribe to the Move Electric newsletter
e-CARS
New electric cars for 2022 and beyond: what’s coming when
New BMW i7 unveiled as luxury electric saloon
e-BIKES
Best e-bikes for every category 2022
Moustache Samedi 28.7 e-bike review
e-MOTORBIKES
Yamaha Neo's electric scooter review
Cake launches new global electric motorbike race series
e-SCOOTERS
Government set to announce plans to legalise private e-scooter use
New study finds e-scooters are five times safer than bikes
e-WORLD