TARGETING INTRA-CITY APPLICATION

SML Isuzu was primarily focused on intra-city bus applications. The Hiroi and the Executive LX were on show this year. The Hiroi is made available in three layouts: 2x1 with 22+D, a 2X2 configuration with 32+D, and a 2X2 variant in a 36+D configuration. The hIroi offers utility features like an independent reading lamp, USB charger, three-point seat belts, and an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). The Executive LX is made available in two seating layouts: the 2x1 and the 2x2. In case of 2x1, customers can opt for a 24+D+1 or a 26+D+1 configuration. These come with full recliners. The 2x2 is offered in a 35+D+1 or 37+D+1 with semi-recliners.

MG Group showcased the Columbus its Airport Handling Manual (AHM) 2021 compliant coach. Airport duty cycles are more into travelling from the airport to the aircraft. Looking at fulfilling the role of a mass mobility option, MG Columbus offers a 71+D capacity (nine seating and 62 as standees). The bus is equipped with electronically controlled suspension (kneel) for ease of ingress and egress. At the heart of the coach is a six-cylinder, in-line BSVI engine producing a peak rated power of 218 hp at 2300 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a retarder. The bus has also been seen plying on Indore airport duty as a testimony to its acceptance.

Intel Corporation, a semiconductor company has come up with a solution helping the driver and fleet operators to access live data while in transit. Intel focused on Onboard Fleet Services, driver safety, and vehicle telematics to keep fleet operators notified 24 hours a day. According to Intel, fleet businesses can reduce efficiency losses by 50 per cent by helping commercial fleet drivers be safe and effective. An onboard cloud service from Mobileye, an Intel company, offers a thorough overview of fleet safety and productivity. The vehicle receives a full kit of Mobileye, since it avoids interfering with the wiring harness, it can be installed on new vehicles. These tools enable it to monitor driver’s performance, and safety analyses like collision avoidance. It also tracks fuel levels and theft using intangles digital twin technology with 98 per cent accuracy, make geofencing, tracking, and tracing simple, and more. Further, a predictive vehicle health tool, enables alerts for parameters such as engine cooling, battery charging, fuel-air metering, and perhaps other aspects. At Prawaas 3.0 a dashboard with all technologies was on display, while a screen in the front played an A/V the AI functioned giving alerts on the device.

TKT Greentec Pvt. Ltd. a leader in HVAC system based out of China, displayed three models, the TKT-50ER, TKT-50ES, and TKT-260E. Nearly 500 units of the 260E, which was specially created for nine to 10m pure electric buses, were delivered this year. The unit measures 2700 mm in length, 1830 mm in width, and 250 mm in height. It has a cooling capacity of 26 kW. With 497 units sold in India across Pune, Dahward, and Delhi., the company has a positive outlook. The 50ES on show has a cooling capacity of 5000W and measures 728 mm in length, 522 mm in width, and 200 mm in height. it is designed for caravans, truck cabs, and other similar applications. The 50ER has a similar cooling capacity and use as the 50ES, but the difference between the two is that the condenser on the 50 ER is a two-piece unit, whereas the condenser on the 50 ES is a single unit. Additionally, the condenser airflow on 50ER is 2000 cu. m. per hr as opposed to 1500 cu. m. per hour on the 50ES.

Google Street View has boosted digitisation in India. According to Rahul Sharma, AVP of Product at Abhibus, customers are making their reservations digitally. Similarly, customers would also benefit from experiencing the options partners have to offer, including services provided, the rental vehicles and the selection of cars or buses, through virtual reality or 3D technology. He added that going cashless and being mobile have improved and changed the online experience in some ways. With the EV wave and available EV inter- and intra-city buses, having a charging infrastructure will be critical. Infrastructure must be improved while also accounting for the downtime required for charging and the hectic schedules of these fleet operators. He stated that Abhibus, in collaboration with APSRTC and TSRTC, has developed a unified ticketing solution system to integrate all critical systems into a single platform.