· To integrate KPIT’s REVOLO technology on Skyline Pro platform
· Reinforces vision of driving modernization in public transportation
February 05, 2018, Pune, New Delhi: Eicher Trucks & Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles, today introduced Zero Emission Smart Electric Buses, marking its entry in the growing Electric Bus segment in India. In this development, VE Commercial Vehicles will integrate KPIT Technologies’ indigenously developed electrification technology, ‘REVOLO’, on its industry leading bus platform - ‘Skyline Pro’.
Manufactured at VECV’s own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh Eicher Skyline Pro buses are the most advanced in safety, comfort and efficiency. The new electric, Skyline Pro E bus adds to the successful Skyline Pro range and marks a significant move in the Company’s direction to build smart and sustainable transportation solutions for India. REVOLO is an innovative versatile technology that can be applied to a large range of buses and other vehicle designs. It has been designed by KPIT, a global technology company working in automotive and mobility solutions. REVOLO has a unique architecture which allows it to operate on a lower voltage. It also does significant regeneration to have the maximum possible range with the smallest possible battery. The system is modular and designed for Indian conditions.
With the electrification technology and the buses being developed in India, these vehicles truly embody the ‘Made in India, for India’ promise.
Commenting on this milestone development, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles said, “The country is at the cusp of a new revolution in transportation, and it is our endeavor to provide India with the best mobility solutions. Together with KPIT Technologies Ltd., we bring our core competencies of a strong bus platform and indigenous technology to build the right products for the market. This further reinforces commitment to usher in modernization in the CV industry. The Smart Electric Skyline Pro E buses are certified to ply on Indian roads and we are confident they will bring great value to commuters, city transportation corporations and other organizations in this ecosystem. Our pan India network of dealerships and service stations will provide all the necessary service support and maintenance for operating these electric buses efficiently.”
He further said, “The shift to electric vehicle technology is opening up a number of opportunities for the economy. It is a viable solution to India’s depleting air quality and increasing dependencies on traditional fuel resources. Along with the supporting policy framework, it will bring in positive implications across environment, social and economic parameters.”
Kishor Patil, Managing Director (MD), CEO and Co- founder, KPIT Technologies Ltd. said, "We are very happy to partner with Eicher Trucks & Buses, the leading bus manufacturer in India. This partnership reinforces KPIT’s commitment to create sustainable technologies that have a positive impact on our environment. Using our home-grown technology, this electric bus segment will usher in a new era of clean urban mobility. We at KPIT believe that urban mobility needs to be smart, safe and sustainable and all three of these components are equally necessary. The introduction of the Skyline Pro E bus is a big step in this direction.”
Eicher Trucks and Buses has the lineage of three decades of operations in India. Adopting the most professional and holistic approach to modernize the Indian trucking industry, their brand philosophy, "Go Pro", promises to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency, higher loading capacity, superior uptime and overall vehicle life time profitability. Eicher Trucks and Buses (ETB) is present in the LMD range with a strong presence in the 4.9T-16T truck segment and an ever-increasing market share in 16T-49T heavy duty trucks segment. Eicher Pro Series buses also have a strong presence in the Light and Medium segment along with a leadership in the school bus segment.
VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) is a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited. In operation since July 2008, the company includes the complete range of Eicher branded trucks and buses, VE Powertrain, Eicher’s components businesses as well as the sales and distribution business of Volvo trucks within India. VECV’s vision is to be recognized as the industry leader driving modernization in commercial transportation in India and the developing world.
About KPIT:
KPIT (BSE: 532400, NSE: KPIT) is a global technology company focused on providing technology solutions and expertise to Automotive and Transportation Companies and City authorities. Together with its customers and partners, it creates and delivers technologies to enable creating a smart, safe and a more intelligent world that is sustainable and efficient.
REVOLO is an innovative versatile technology that is compatible across different vehicle formats. The key components of the system include lithium ion batteries, electric motors, a power transmission unit and smart electronic control units. REVOLO powered buses are also supported with features such Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), mobile phone app for journey planning and ticketing, Wi-fi infotainment etc., providing the passenger a superior ride experience. KPIT has been working extensively in the alternative fuel technology space and has 20+ global patents for hybrid and electric vehicles and their key components