The tripartite partnership will run an electric bus (e-bus) pilot to support sustainable in-campus commuting by IIT-Madras students and staff.

The e-bus, which will incorporate Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ innovative flash-charging technology – Grid-eMotion Flash, will be provided by Ashok Leyland, while IIT-M will host the infrastructure required to operate the flash-charging system for the e-bus, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India said in a statement.

“With sound policy levers in place, this partnership – engaging some of the finest industry and academic minds in India – creates a truly sustainable framework for e-mobility,” Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India Managing Director N Venu said.

The partnership will provide a zero-emissions mass public transportation bus system through the company’s ‘award-winning technology’, localised for the Indian market, he added.

“Combination of our robust buses with electric propulsion technology and flash charging from Hitachi ABB Power Grids, can be the answer to the need for sustainable public transportation across the country,” Ashok Leyland Chief Technology Officer N Saravanan said. IIT-M Director Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi said the development of India’s e-mobility charging infrastructure and increased deployment of e-buses is key to meeting the demand for sustainable transport solutions.