Tata files design patent for a double-decker electric bus

Tata's double-decker electric bus will compete with Switch Mobility's EiV22 electric double-decker.

Tata Motors has filed a design patent for a double-decker electric bus. It is likely to compete with the Switch EiV22 - launched in Mumbai last year.

Tata's double-decker electric bus is based on a two-axle chassis and could be 9 metres in length. There are wide entry and exit doors at the front and rear, as well as large windows.

Technical details of the double-decker electric bus are not available. However, it could use an existing electric powertrain. The Tata Ultra 9m electric bus is powered by a 124 kWh battery pack that offers a range of 150 km. The electric motors generate 194 BHP of continuous power and 1145 Nm of torque, allowing the bus to reach a top speed of 75 km/h.

Tata Motors also offers a 12-metre electric bus as part of its Starbus range. It uses a 250 kWh battery pack that offers a range of 200 km on a single charge.