Ashok Leyland is all set to start manufacturing the Optare range of electric buses in India in next year. The Hinduja Group company holds a majority stake in Optare Plc, UK, which manufactures the battery-powered buses. The company is expecting to tap the emerging market for electric vehicles globally.
The company will start making the Optare range of electric and hybrid buses -- Solo and Versa -- in India at its plants in Alwar and Tiruchi. The company is also considering making the range in West Asia. Most of the components including the batteries will have to be imported into India investments will primarily go into tooling. These electric buses can cost upwards of Rs 3 crore.
Optare is among the world leaders in battery powered vehicles and light weight, fuel efficient buses. While, Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship company in India, is engaged in the manufacturing of commercial vehicles and related components. The company’s products include buses, trucks, engines, defense and special vehicles.
