JSW gets approval for first electric bus, enters commercial vehicle market

JSW has secured the CMVR Type Approval Certificate from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for its first electric bus, marking its entry into the commercial vehicle segment.The approval allows its commercial vehicle arm, JSW Greentech, to start production of the JSW 12M 51+D AC SDX electric bus. The certification confirms that the 12-metre bus meets Central Motor Vehicles Rules on safety, performance and regulatory standards for use on Indian roads.

Type approval from ARAI is required for homologation and commercial sale of vehicles in India and covers compliance areas such as structural safety, braking and electrical systems.
The JSW 12M 51+D AC SDX is a full-size, air-conditioned electric bus designed for urban and intercity operations. The “51+D” configuration indicates seating for mass transit needs, targeting state transport undertakings and fleet operators seeking higher-capacity electric buses.
JSW Greentech said the approval is a key step in its plan to expand in sustainable commercial mobility. The company is focusing on advanced electric drivetrains, battery systems and vehicle telematics to improve uptime, reduce total cost of ownership and support fleet efficiency.With the approval, the model becomes eligible for commercial rollout, subject to orders and state procurement processes.

JSW Green Mobility also includes JSW Auto and JSW AutoComp, which oversee passenger vehicle operations and auto component manufacturing. Detailed specifications of the bus have not been disclosed.

The bus is expected to be produced at the company’s greenfield facility being set up in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, with an annual capacity of 10,000 electric buses and 5,000 electric trucks.

JSW is developing a separate passenger vehicle business beyond its existing joint venture with China’s SAIC Motor that operates JSW MG Motor India. A recent report said the Sajjan Jindal-led company may delay its first car launch unless the government expedites licences to import parts from China.

JSW’s passenger vehicle plans are being pursued through JSW Green Mobility’s subsidiary JSW Motors, which is expected to launch its first vehicle in the October–December quarter.