The policy also envisages that the KSRTC should convert a part of its fleet of 6,000-odd buses to electric buses by 2025. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Swiss vehicle manufacturing major Hess AG has evinced interest in setting up an electric bus manufacturing unit in the state.
The company, which expressed interest after learning about the government's electric vehicle policy and plans to switch over to electric vehicles soon, held discussions with chief secretary Tom Jose during the recent visit of the state's delegation led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to Switzerland.
The state transport department has been asked to pursue the matter with the company. Top sources said the company is interested to set up a manufacturing unit if the state is willing to purchase electric buses manufactured by the company. If things go as planned, it would be a win-win situation, as the state is looking for more electric buses including for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). It would also create job opportunities.
The government had last year framed and announced an electric vehicle policy that targets one million electric vehicles on the roads in the state by 2022. It also includes 3,000 electric buses.
In the electric vehicle policy, buses are the first preference for conversion to the e-vehicle regime, due to its large impact on the on-road vehicle population, its potential to reduce pollution and promote shared mobility. The e-buses for public transport is envisaged with nine meters and 12-meter lengths, with an average driving range of 50km to 100km.
The policy also envisages that the KSRTC should convert a part of its fleet of 6,000-odd buses to electric buses by 2025. The KSRTC, on an average, procures around 1,000 buses annually. Switching over to electric buses also reduces maintenance cost and fuel cost
