New Delhi: Urban Sphere recently unveiled its Ivoryline 9m electric bus (e-bus) series during the SIAT Expo 2024 at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Pune, in collaboration with Hanif Qureshi, Joint Secretary for the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries.
Following the launch, Urban Sphere signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), with Espresso Limited in Kenya, for the supply of 500 Ivoryline electric buses for public transportation in that country, and with Procurabl, for manufacturing locally the Ivoryline series. “Urban Sphere recognizes the importance of collaborating with local partners and aims to promote indigenous manufacturing practices, fostering growth within the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector,” the company said in a media release.
Urban Sphere has also secured a MOU to supply Ivoryline 6m electric buses to the Philippines. The commitment involves delivering over 50,000 units over the next decade, the release added.
Urban Sphere aims to position India as the next Green Transportation Ecosystem for manufacturing and supplying electric buses globally. Driven by the indigenously developed 9m electric skateboard chassis named MULA (Modular Unified Ladder Architecture), Ivoryline is powered by a 180 kWh motor and a state-of-the-art 193.1 kWh LFP battery pack. The innovative design allows for compatibility with a 250 kWh fast charger, ensuring a rapid recharge time of just 45 minutes, the release said.
CEO, Karthik Athreya, said, “As we launch the Ivoryline 9m e-bus series, we are not just introducing a new product; we are ushering in a new era of sustainable transportation. Our vision extends beyond manufacturing electric buses – we aim to foster a Green Transportation Ecosystem in India and contribute to global sustainability. The strategic MOUs and collaborations announced today are a testament to our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and environmental responsibility. We believe in the potential of India to become a hub for green mobility solutions, and Urban Sphere is determined to lead the way.”Urban Sphere said that 70% of the Ivoryline is developed and manufactured in India, in collaboration with MSMEs. Its R&D Facility, in Vassanthanarsapura Industrial Area, Tumkur District, Karnataka, played a pivotal role in bringing this product to fruition, the release said.
Urban Sphere owes its success to the incubation and support provided by ARAI – AMTIF, which has been instrumental in nurturing the company’s vision for sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions, the release added.
