Latest news with #SWITCHIeV3
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How electric LCVs are powering India's real economy and driving impact from the ground up
India's economic growth story is, at its core, a sustainable logistics story. As GDP expands and consumption patterns evolve rapidly, the efficient movement of goods has become very crucial in serving as the infrastructure that underpins economic momentum. The logistics sector, which contributes approximately 14 per cent to India's GDP, powers everything from rural–urban trade flows to the e-commerce deliveries driving consumption-led growth. While transportation efficiency is essential, the true impact of logistics lies in its ability to enable economic inclusion. When goods move quickly and affordably, small businesses gain access to wider markets, rural entrepreneurs can reach urban consumers, and economic opportunities begin to flow across regions. India's logistics backbone will ultimately determine whether growth remains confined to urban centres or spreads inclusively across the country's diverse geographies. The Role of Last-Mile Mobility in Logistics Within the logistics value chain, last-mile delivery represents both the most critical and most expensive segment. Last-mile operations handle the crucial final delivery phase across urban and semi-urban India, connecting warehouses and distribution centres directly to consumers and businesses. Critically, the rupee per kilometre cost is highest in last-mile operations, making this segment a priority area for cost optimisation. This high-cost, high-impact segment serves an extraordinarily diverse user base: micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), rural entrepreneurs building their first businesses, individual delivery drivers, and large logistics players managing extensive fleets. The economic health of millions of small-scale operators depends on last-mile efficiency and affordability. Ground Realities: Challenges with Traditional Vehicles Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles have served India's logistics needs for decades, but several challenges are becoming increasingly apparent in today's operating environment. High emissions from commercial vehicles create environmental pressures, particularly in high-density commercial corridors where these vehicles operate intensively. Rising fuel costs add unpredictability to business operations, making financial planning difficult for small operators working on thin margins. Productivity challenges emerge from maintenance requirements, driver fatigue from noise and vibration, and the overall operational complexity of ICE systems. For micro-entrepreneurs and small fleet owners, these factors translate into business risks through cost unpredictability and reduced operational efficiency. Opportunities: Why EVs Are a Game Changer Electric Light Commercial Vehicles (e-LCVs) address these challenges while creating new opportunities for economic growth. Lower total cost of ownership is the most significant benefit. On average, our SWITCH IeV3 and SWITCH IeV4 models operate at just ₹2 per kilometre, compared to ₹7 for diesel alternatives. This substantial cost advantage translates to savings of around ₹15,000 per month for operators covering 3,000 kilometres per month, thereby transforming business economics for small-scale operators. Higher productivity emerges from reduced maintenance requirements, lower driver fatigue, and operational simplicity. Electric vehicles provide connectivity and predictability, enabling better business planning and reinvestment strategies. For micro-entrepreneurs and fleet operators, these improvements can mean the difference between subsistence operations and sustainable business growth. Driving Real-World Impact: Voices from the Ground Real stories from MSME leaders who are transforming their operations with SWITCH's electric mobility solutions. In the poultry industry, a business with over two decades of experience adopted the SWITCH IeV3 to manage daily operations across nearly 190 km. The switch from diesel brought down running costs from ₹3,600 per day to just ₹230, resulting in monthly savings of over ₹38,000 and nearly ₹4.5 lakh annually. Beyond cost, the vibration-free ride significantly reduced egg breakage during transport, directly enhancing revenue. In the healthcare supply sector, a Bengaluru-based enterprise distributing medical-grade plastic products to hospitals and labs saw its logistics costs cut by nearly 50% after integrating the SWITCH IeV3. Annual savings now exceed ₹2.5–3 lakh. With minimal servicing needs and 50% fewer breakdowns than diesel counterparts, delivery reliability has sharply improved. Notably, the vehicle's intuitive dual-mode drive system (Drive/Sport) has empowered more women to join the driving workforce, resulting in an increase in women drivers within the fleet. These stories underscore the true power of electric mobility when it's thoughtfully designed and precisely delivered. From cutting emissions and operational costs to increasing workforce inclusivity and enhancing business resilience, the SWITCH IeV3 is redefining last-mile logistics. The Ecosystem Enablers: What's Powering the EV Shift? Four key enablers are driving EV adoption in the LCV space, creating a comprehensive transformation rather than isolated technological change. Economics (TCO Advantage): The shift to EVs offers significant cost savings, not only in fuel but also in maintenance, leading to improved long-term ROI. This substantial reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) is transforming the economics of operations, especially for small-scale and fleet-based businesses. OEM Innovations: The market now offers diverse product choices specifically tailored to logistics, last-mile, and cargo use cases. Manufacturers are developing modular architectures, fast-charging capabilities, and payload-optimised designs that address real operational requirements rather than adapting passenger vehicle technology. Government Support: Both state and central governments are playing a catalytic role in accelerating adoption: State-Level Incentives: Demand-based subsidies for three- and four-wheeler commercial EVs are being actively considered. States like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Odisha are moving toward offering dedicated incentives for four-wheeler eLCVs, thereby reducing the initial acquisition barrier for fleet operators. Central Schemes: Programs like the PM-eBus Sewa and e-AMRIT are supporting the expansion of charging infrastructure and EV ecosystem readiness. Market Readiness & User Acceptance: As more drivers, entrepreneurs, and businesses gain real-world experience with EVs, confidence in electric mobility is rising. Practical exposure to improved reliability, lower operational costs, and the growing support network is fostering faster acceptance across use cases. Environmental Impact & Policy Relevance Light Commercial Vehicles make up ~60 per cent of total commercial vehicles, making their electrification critical for emission reduction goals. Our own electric vehicle deployments have already achieved 150 million green kilometres and saved 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Scaling this across India's LCV and Bus fleet could eliminate ~170 billion litres of crude oil consumption by 2030, representing ~12 Bn USD in foreign exchange savings while dramatically improving air quality. The environmental impact amplifies in commercial corridors where vehicles operate longer hours and cover greater distances. Electrifying this segment delivers disproportionate environmental benefits while serving the economy's most productive elements. A Positive Outlook Electric LCVs represent far more than a technological shift, they are a catalyst for economic inclusion, employment generation, and environmental responsibility. The convergence of compelling economics, supportive policies, and market readiness positions electric LCVs as the foundation for India's sustainable logistics transformation. This transformation directly serves India's economic growth aspirations. When logistics costs decrease and efficiency improves, the benefits cascade through entire value chains: rural producers access urban markets more affordably, small businesses expand their service areas, and new entrepreneurship opportunities emerge across diverse geographies. As India's logistics sector evolves, electric LCVs will power not just the movement of goods, but the democratisation of economic opportunity. The vehicles connecting warehouses to doorsteps, farms to markets, and small businesses to consumers are becoming the infrastructure for inclusive economic growth—proving that sustainability and economic development aren't competing priorities, but complementary forces driving India's next phase of expansion.
Business Standard
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
SWITCH Mobility Flags Off 100 SWITCH IeV3 for Waste Management to Indore, boosting city's sustainability efforts
PRNewswire Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], April 30: SWITCH Mobility, a leading global manufacturer of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, today flagged off 100 customized SWITCH IeV3 vehicles for Waste Management for the Indore Municipal Corporation, further strengthening Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban development. The handover ceremony was graced by Kailash Vijayvargiya, Minister of Urban Development and Housing and Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor of Indore, who commended SWITCH Mobility's role in supporting Indore's leadership in environmental stewardship. These specially designed electric garbage tippers will replace conventional diesel vehicles, significantly reducing carbon emissions, lowering noise pollution, and enhancing operational efficiency in waste collection. The SWITCH IeV3 is equipped to handle the transportation of both wet and dry waste effectively. Mahesh Babu, CEO of SWITCH Mobility, said, "We are proud to partner with Indore in its inspiring journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Indore has consistently set an example for the entire nation by being ranked India's cleanest city, and we are honored to contribute to maintaining and elevating that standard. Through our SWITCH IeV3 vehicles and our proprietary SWITCH iON connected mobility platform, we aim to deliver intelligent, sustainable solutions that help cities thrive in a cleaner environment." The SWITCH IeV3 is engineered to meet the demands of urban municipal operations with a strong emphasis on sustainability, reliability, and efficiency. Powered by SWITCH iON, the brand's proprietary connected vehicle platform, the fleet benefits from real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, route optimization, and enhanced uptime, ensuring maximum operational effectiveness for Indore's waste management initiatives. The deployment of these 100 electric vehicles for waste management, marks another major stride in Indore's clean mobility roadmap, strengthening its efforts to retain the title of India's Cleanest City while setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban living. About SWITCH Mobility SWITCH Mobility, an integral part of the Hinduja Group, is a global electric bus and light commercial vehicle manufacturer committed to advancing green mobility. Formed through a strategic collaboration between the engineering expertise of the Indian powerhouse Ashok Leyland and the British bus maker Optare, it seamlessly integrates the very best innovators and cutting-edge technology to deliver unrivalled product choices on a global scale. In 2014, SWITCH (then Optare) introduced the first British built, pure electric buses to London's roads and since then has put over 1250 ebuses on the road, clocking up over 150 million kilometers globally. In 2024, SWITCH Mobility launched the SWITCH IeV Series, and today, over 1000 eLCVs are transforming last-mile logistics with zero-emission mobility. SWITCH Mobility's accomplishments are underscored by numerous awards, such as Most Trusted Brand of India, Company of the Year, L & ICV People Mover of the Year, Star Electric Bus of the Year, Sustainability Award, Best PR Campaign, and Most Trusted Brand of the Nation. Recognized as a Great Place to Work, SWITCH Mobility cultivates a corporate culture that values agility, innovation, and responsibility. SWITCH Mobility stands as a pragmatic force, guiding the world towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future. The company's vehicles, representing a fusion of British and Indian expertise, epitomize the future of green mobility and SWITCH Mobility's commitment to shaping a cleaner, more sustainable world. Capitalizing on its demonstrable experience and proven expertise in lightweight architecture, net zero carbon technologies, data analytics, software and customer service, SWITCH Mobility aims to be the commercial EV provider and employer of choice in the industry.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Indore deploys 100 electric waste management vehicles from SWITCH Mobility
SWITCH Mobility has delivered 100 electric light commercial vehicles to the Indore Municipal Corporation for use in waste collection operations. The SWITCH IeV3 vehicles will be deployed to replace diesel-powered garbage tippers as part of the city's clean mobility programme. The handover was attended by Kailash Vijayvargiya , Minister of Urban Development and Housing, and Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor of Indore . Both officials acknowledged the role of electric vehicles in supporting waste management goals and reducing emissions in urban centres. Features The SWITCH IeV3, developed by SWITCH Mobility, is designed for municipal waste transport, with capability to manage both wet and dry waste. It is integrated with the company's connected vehicle platform, SWITCH iON, which offers functions such as route planning, predictive maintenance, real-time vehicle tracking, and fleet monitoring. Mahesh Babu , CEO of SWITCH Mobility, said, 'We are proud to partner with Indore in its journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Indore has consistently set an example for the entire nation by being ranked India's cleanest city, and we are honoured to contribute to maintaining and elevating that standard. Through our SWITCH IeV3 vehicles and our proprietary SWITCH iON connected mobility platform, we aim to deliver intelligent, sustainable solutions that help cities thrive in a cleaner environment.'
Business Upturn
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
SWITCH Mobility Flags Off 100 SWITCH IeV3 for Waste Management to Indore, boosting city's sustainability efforts
INDORE , India , April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SWITCH Mobility, a leading global manufacturer of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, today flagged off 100 customized SWITCH IeV3 vehicles for Waste Management for the Indore Municipal Corporation, further strengthening Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban development. The handover ceremony was graced by Mr. Kailash Vijayvargiya , Hon'ble Minister of Urban Development and Housing and Mr. Pushyamitra Bhargav, Mayor of Indore , who commended SWITCH Mobility's role in supporting Indore's leadership in environmental stewardship. These specially designed electric garbage tippers will replace conventional diesel vehicles, significantly reducing carbon emissions, lowering noise pollution, and enhancing operational efficiency in waste collection. The SWITCH IeV3 is equipped to handle the transportation of both wet and dry waste effectively. Mahesh Babu , CEO of SWITCH Mobility, said, 'We are proud to partner with Indore in its inspiring journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Indore has consistently set an example for the entire nation by being ranked India's cleanest city, and we are honored to contribute to maintaining and elevating that standard. Through our SWITCH IeV3 vehicles and our proprietary SWITCH iON connected mobility platform, we aim to deliver intelligent, sustainable solutions that help cities thrive in a cleaner environment.' The SWITCH IeV3 is engineered to meet the demands of urban municipal operations with a strong emphasis on sustainability, reliability, and efficiency. Powered by SWITCH iON, the brand's proprietary connected vehicle platform, the fleet benefits from real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, route optimization, and enhanced uptime, ensuring maximum operational effectiveness for Indore's waste management initiatives. The deployment of these 100 electric vehicles for waste management, marks another major stride in Indore's clean mobility roadmap, strengthening its efforts to retain the title of India's Cleanest City while setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban living. About SWITCH Mobility SWITCH Mobility, an integral part of the Hinduja Group, is a global electric bus and light commercial vehicle manufacturer committed to advancing green mobility. Formed through a strategic collaboration between the engineering expertise of the Indian powerhouse Ashok Leyland and the British bus maker Optare, it seamlessly integrates the very best innovators and cutting-edge technology to deliver unrivalled product choices on a global scale. In 2014, SWITCH (then Optare) introduced the first British built, pure electric buses to London's roads and since then has put over 1250 ebuses on the road, clocking up over 150 million kilometers globally. In 2024, SWITCH Mobility launched the SWITCH IeV Series, and today, over 1000 eLCVs are transforming last-mile logistics with zero-emission mobility. SWITCH Mobility's accomplishments are underscored by numerous awards, such as Most Trusted Brand of India , Company of the Year, L&ICV People Mover of the Year, Star Electric Bus of the Year, Sustainability Award, Best PR Campaign, and Most Trusted Brand of the Nation. Recognized as a Great Place to Work, SWITCH Mobility cultivates a corporate culture that values agility, innovation, and responsibility. SWITCH Mobility stands as a pragmatic force, guiding the world towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future. The company's vehicles, representing a fusion of British and Indian expertise, epitomize the future of green mobility and SWITCH Mobility's commitment to shaping a cleaner, more sustainable world. Capitalizing on its demonstrable experience and proven expertise in lightweight architecture, net zero carbon technologies, data analytics, software and customer service, SWITCH Mobility aims to be the commercial EV provider and employer of choice in the industry. Photo: Logo:
