The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is embarking on a novel initiative in response to the financial challenges associated with compressed natural gas (CNG). Despite facing a significant financial crisis, KSRTC has decided to convert diesel buses into electric vehicles (EVs) due to the perceived unprofitability of CNG. The corporation has allocated up to Rs 20 lakh for the conversion of each bus.
In the initial phase, KSRTC aims to transform ten-year-old diesel buses into e-vehicles, with a goal of replacing at least 1,000 buses. Unlike the previous practice of decommissioning 15-year-old diesel buses, KSRTC plans to extend the life of these buses by replacing the engine and installing a new motor, battery, and control unit. To facilitate this ambitious venture, KSRTC has reached out to several companies, including Hindustan EV Motors and three international firms, for potential collaboration.
The anticipated range for these converted e-buses is 120 kilometres on a single charge, with a specific emphasis on designing batteries that are easily replaceable. KSRTC envisions a system where charged batteries are stored at stations and can be swiftly attached to buses without causing delays. However, practical concerns have been raised by experts regarding the feasibility of regularly replacing batteries that weigh two tonnes.