Ashok Leyland to participate in tenders for electric buses

Gopal Mahadevan also said the company will focus on three battery technologies - swap and charge battery technology, long-range battery vehicle and fast-charging battery for long range buses. Ashok Leyland has tied up with SUN Mobility to develop electric buses with “swap and charge” battery technology. 

“Three-four state transport undertakings are expected to come out with their bids for electric buses. Similarly, some private bus operators are also expected to come out with their tenders for battery powered buses. We will be participating in those bids,” Mahadevan told reporters here. 

He said the tender size will not be big as this is a new technology. According to Mahadevan, the company is working on Bharat Stage VI engine, modularity in manufacturing and light commercial vehicles with left hand drive for export markets. 

About modular manufacturing, he said the idea is to provide customers with the kind of aggregates like cabin, drive train as per their specific needs. 

“There are certain fleet operators who carry only a specific cargo - (such as) limestone, cement. It will be better to offer such players the kind of vehicle they need,” Mahadevan added. 

Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland reported a revenue of Rs 7,113.16 crore and a net profit of Rs 449.71 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 up from a revenue of Rs 4,516.29 crore and a net profit of Rs 161.72 crore posted during the same period the previous year. 

As per plan, the company has earmarked Rs 500 to Rs 700 crore as capex. About Rs 50-100 crore would go into EVs, Mahadevan said, adding the company had turned cash positive.