Goldstone-BYD electric bus launched for public transport

Goldstone Infratech Limited has launched India's first electric bus for public transport. To manufacture electric buses in India, the company has tied up with China's BYD Auto Industry Co. Ltd. - the largest electric vehicle maker in the world.

The Goldstone eBuzz K7 is a 25+1 seater electric bus, which has been ARAI certified and has a claimed range of 200 km on a single charge. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) will be adding 25 electric buses to their fleet. Meanwhile, India's first electric bus has entered service and will ply on the Kullu-Manali to Rohtang pass route. 

The buses have Lithium-ion Iron Phosphate batteries ensuring longer lifetime and better power density compared to the current batteries. The buses will also have a fast charging technology that can recharge the batteries to full in less than 4 hours.

According to the company, the bus has already completed high altitude trials over 13,000 feet. It has successfully completed trials in major Indian cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Rajkot as well.

Mumbai might become the first metropolitan city in India to introduce electric buses for public transport. According to Goldstone-BYD, they have received an order for 6 electric buses from Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST).