Pic for representation
Mumbai: BEST will roll out 48 new Next-Gen Blade Battery electric AC buses from Magathane depot on Tuesday morning. The total fleet will touch 2,900 after the induction of new buses. the new Blade Battery fleet boasts a range of 325 km to 500 km While existing electric buses cover around 250 km on a single charge. Even on congested city roads, they guarantee a minimum range of 325 km, allowing up to two days of continuous operation without returning to the depot for recharging. With battery life exceeding 5,000 charge cycles, replacement and maintenance costs will be drastically reduced over the vehicle’s operational lifecycle. Sources indicate that standard high-power depot DC fast chargers can power the battery from 30% to 80% in just 30 to 45 minutes. A complete 100% top-up typically takes one to two hours to protect long-term cell health.
The new buses will be launched by BEST committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao and BEST general manager Sonia Sethi in the presence of other dignitaries.
“Blade battery is designed to withstand extreme climatic conditions and is much safer even when severely damaged during accidents,” stated a senior official from Olectra Greentech. Said an official, “The new buses are expected to strengthen commuter services while promoting sustainable and eco-friendly mobility across Mumbai. These e-buses will provide some relief to the burdened low fleet as they will be deployed on the busy routes across the island city and suburbs. The new buses are powered by advanced Blade Battery technology designed for lower risk, longer operating range, and fast charging capabilities. Blade Battery technology is globally recognised for superior thermal safety, featuring reduced heat generation and non-oxygen release during high stress. BEST has been steadily increasing the share of electric buses in its fleet as part of its clean energy and environmental initiatives. ”