Tata Motors recently announced that it has received an order for 25 nos. of the Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus with Full Low floor configuration from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) – the single largest order awarded for Hybrid Electric vehicle technology.
With the Starbus Hybrid Electric buses, the MMRDA will connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railways stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next one year, improving feeder services, to the fastest-growing business hub in Mumbai.
Developed indigenously, the Tata Starbus Full Low Floor Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus is economically viable, safe and environmentally friendly. Series Hybrid technology offers lowest cost of ownership, with improved fuel savings of the order of 25-30%, reduction in emissions in comparison to conventional buses & runs on pure electric mode, for around 30-35% of the total travel distance.
Uniquely engineered for ease of operations, the Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus, can run without the requirement of external charging infrastructures, due to integration of on- board charging, via a BSIV compliant engine & energy storage through advanced Lithium Ion Nano-Phosphate Batteries. While the batteries are re-charged by running of the Diesel powertrain, the system also regenerates braking energy through advanced electronic braking system.
The above technology makes adoption of such advanced buses hassle-free, without investing in high cost of charging stations at bus depots or enroute, thus giving operators the much needed range and flexibility to shift bus routes as per demand and need.
The Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Bus is also fitted with CCT cameras that can record movement inside the bus. The bus is also designed with a wide passage-way for free movement, wider window panes for better visibility, along with wider and lower entry/exit doors, making this new bus safe and convenient for commuters to enjoy public transportation.
The bus also incorporates ITS (Intelligence Transport Systems) for public information, through GPS via electronic destination display boards, indicating expected time of arrival at bus stops and route announcements within the bus etc. Further, bucket type seats, softer suspension, tubeless tyres and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) ensure that passengers are comfortable.
A fleet of 10 Tata Hybrid buses are already in operation in city of Madrid, Spain and together have covered more than 1 million km.
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Also see: Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles 8 future ready offerings @ 2016 Auto Expo
