On January 25, 2022, Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Committee has approved 900 double-decker e-buses on a wet lease. Earlier, only 48 of these buses were running in the city but now the number stands at 900 that will be joining the fleet soon.
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BEST plans to have 50% of the fleet with electric buses by March 2023 and is targeting all EV buses in its fleet by March 2027. Around 2,100 new electric AC buses will be added in this time duration and about 200 of these will be double-deckers.
This plan includes 1,400 single-decker AC buses, 400 midi AC buses and 100 mini AC buses. All of these will be electric. An over of Rs 925 crores as funding will be procured by BEST and the lowest bidder has promised to run these buses for as low as Rs 56 per kilometre.
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When asked by the four bus makers that planned to introduce AC double-decker e-buses about the running costs then the figures ranged from Rs 56 per kilometre to more than Rs 160 per kilometre. As of now, BEST is likely to ask the second bidder to introduce 200 AC double-decker buses while the remaining lot will be fulfilled by the lowest bidder.
It is quite surprising to the experts about the running costs of the double-decker AC buses as the single-decker AC buses are operated at Rs 54-72 per kilometre. So how did you like this decision by BEST and the introduction of all EV buses in its fleet by 2027? Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, join our 91Wheels Whatsapp and 91Wheels Telegram to get the latest news about the Indian Automotive Industry.
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