Switch EiV 7: The 7m Electric bus for smart city commute | Auto Expo 2023

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · Published January 30, 2023 · Updated February 1, 2023

The funky-looking Switch EiV 7 electric mini-bus is specifically designed for metro-feeder, school, and staff transportation applications, with the advantages of fast-charging capabilities to extend the vehicle’s range per day.

Switch Mobility was expected to bring in a 9-metre electric bus on the lines of the of EiV 12 or EiV 22 at the Auto Expo 2023, but instead unveiled a 7-metre class mini-bus called as EiV 7. Designed specifically for urban commutation in developing markets like India, the e-bus boasts innovative styling and adequate equipment for reliable operations.

Design wise, the EiV 7 looks novel and distinctive with bulbous edges, suave roof- and window lines, large windshield and side window panes, and eye-catching LED DRLs in both front and at rear.

Also Read: Switch IeV Series: Electric mini-trucks made from the ground up

Inside the cabin, the driver’s cockpit is designed as one-whole module with instrumentation and digital infotainment screens, with no formal dashboard in place. The saloon is way too spacious for a 7.3-metre vehicle, with seating arrangement for 24 passengers.

However, the display vehicle at the Auto Expo 2023 was a bummer, owing to its poor build quality and finishing. The body panels lacked good finish with apparent uneveness and unblended paint job, while the rubber beading for windshields and window lines had coarse finish.

Ashok Leyland Trucks and Buses at Auto Expo 2023

Frankly, the e-bus seemed as if it was built in haste for the expo. Let’s hope the production version of the EiV 7 addresses these built-quality issues, as customers expect better fit and finish in fully-built solutions from OEMs, especially from an electric bus maker coming from the fold of Ashok Leyland.

The mini e-bus is powered by permanent magnet synchronous AC motor delivering a peak torque of 1,100 Nm, fed by a lithium-ion battery pack whose size and capacity is not public yet. The manufacturer claims an operational range of 250 kms per day, aided by fast charging that takes 1.5 to 2 hours to recharge.

Also Read: Ashok Leyland Circuit Electric Bus (Jan Bus Midi EV)

Also, the EiV 7 comes loaded with air suspension and disc brakes in all wheels. Given Switch Mobility’s aggressive plans in the Indian market, the e-bus is expected to receive decent orders from STUs for metro-feeders and intra-city applications.