Expanding the scope of trial and test-marketing of its hybrid buses, Tata Motors has given two such buses to Brihan Mumbai Electric and Transport Undertaking, commonly known as BEST, the public transport organisation. The low-floor CNG plus electric hybrid buses, which comes fitted with start-stop technology, will ensure 22% reduction in fuel consumption and emission, claims Tata Motors.
The company had earlier given two hybrid buses to Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) during the Commonwealth Games. “We are currently demonstrating these vehicles and are taking feedbacks from operators, drivers and passengers,’’ said Ravi Pisharody, president, Tata Motors. “We are not marketing hybrid buses right now. These buses are costlier because of imported contents, mainly batteries. We are trying to bring down the cost.”
Tata Motors’ Spanish bus making subsidiary Tata Hispano Motors has bagged an order from Madrid city transportation company EMT Madrid to supply 10 CNG Series Hybrid low-floor city buses. The buses will be delivered by 2012.