To cope with the city pollution, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry is in touch with State Transport Corporations from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi showcased the prototype of India’s first retrofitted electric bus with “Go Green” message on it.
(Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India – Nitin Gadkari)
- The bus was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi and handed over the key of the bus to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Sumitra Mahajan.
- The converted buses are part of a pilot project of Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT). The prototype was wholly developed by KPIT, Pune.
- It is powered by lithium battery developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is very economical.
Benefits of an Electric Bus
- A standard electric bus uses about one unit of electricity for one kilometer, which is much cheaper than diesel.
- Electric buses are considered to be the most environment friendly and cost-effective form of public transport in urban areas.
- These buses can save carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions up to 48,000 kg a year which is equal to planting 2400 plants annually and will also save diesel worth 10 lakh a year.
The technology has been wholly developed in India. Ten more buses are proposed to be retrofitted for use by State Transport Undertakings by March 2016.
Lithium ion battery
ISRO scientists have developed the indigenous lithium ion battery at a cost of barely Rs 500, 000-600,000 in comparison to a huge Rs 5 million for the imported ones as the patent is being registered.
Keys
During 21st Conference of Parties (COP 21) on Climate Change and Environment in Paris, Mr. Modi launched two of its major initiatives aimed at promoting green energy
- One on innovation.
- Other on the Global Solar Alliance of 120 countries.