KDMT Electric Buses: First 9 Join Fleet from Causis
In the latest electric bus news from India, the KDMT electric bus fleet welcomes the first nine Causis electric buses.
The Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT) initiative has added 9 electric buses procured from Causis E Mobility Pvt Ltd. While these buses reached Kaylan in October, they were inducted into the KDMT electric bus fleet just recently.
Causis E Mobility Pvt. Ltd., which supplied these buses, is a subsidiary of the London-based CAUSIS Group known for its tech-laden electric mass mobility solution.
These KMDT electric buses are poised to commence operations in 3 cities of Kalyan, Dombivli and Bhiwandi, as affirmed by civic officials on Thursday.
Earlier in 2022, Causis E Mobility had bagged the tender for providing 107 electric buses to the KDMT. Later, the order was increased to a total of 207 buses.
Of the total 207 buses, Causis will provide 77 12-meter electric buses and 130 9-meter buses on a wet lease model.
This means that KDMT will be responsible for drivers, fuel, and maintenance costs while Causis E Mobilty will provide the buses and the charging infrastructure.
Details of the Wet Lease of the KDMT Electric Buses
According to Deepak Sawant, General Manager, KDMT Undertaking, the agreement between the KDMC and Causis E Mobility has been signed for a duration of 12 years.
“The collaboration between KDMT and Causis E Mobility Pvt Ltd is set for a duration of 12 years. We will be remitting ₹56 per kilometer for the 12-meter buses and ₹50 for the nine-meter buses. As per the agreement, the company will receive a subsidy of ₹45 lakh for each bus once every six years,” he was quoted saying by the HT.
Charging Infrastructure
Sawant asserts that the charging station for the nine buses in the Khambalpada area of Dombivli is set to be operational by this week.
A total of 45 charging stations will be added and each bus will require approximately 50 minutes to charge fully.
“The charging station for the nine buses in the Khambalpada area of Dombivli is set to be operational by this week. Approximately 45 charging units will be installed, with each bus requiring about 50 minutes for charging. These electric buses boast an impressive range, covering an estimated 180 km on a single charge,” Sawant further explained.
