Pantograph charging system (picture for representative purpose) Photo credit: Special arrangement
Old Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will be converted into electric buses as part of a joint project of transport tools, agency for new and renewable energy (Anert) and Toshiba.
Charging
This initiative is strange that buses will be equipped with lithium-titanium oxide batteries (LTO), which can be charged in 10 to 20 minutes using pantograph charging systems during bus stations documents. Buses will be equipped with charging receivers on the roof that facilitate charging over their heads using pantographic weapons.
The project will be seen by engines, transmission and transmission systems of KSRTC buses over five years of battery, battery management (BMS) and motor control unit (MCU). “Toshiba will supply the battery. Because buses will use a quick charge system, passengers may not be constantly waiting,” said Anert Nandra NATH Veruri Hindu.
Pilot project
As part of the pilot project, three buses will convert with an energy train system containing 200 kW of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and LTO 100 to 150 kWh battery.
In the initial phase, there will be buses on the Thiruvananthapuram-Enakulam route and Thiruvananthapuram-Kottarakra. The Pantograph charging device will be installed on selected busbounds on the route, such as Kayamculam. However, the decision must still be completed at this point, said Mr. Veluri.
The lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) batteries commonly used in electric vehicles take one to four hours to be fully charged.
Inspection of emissions
The State Action Plan of Keral for Climate Change 2023-2030 states that Kerala has about 1.3 lake buses, both government and private ownership, and the current growth rate is up to 1.5%. “At this rate, it is estimated that by 2030 the Kerala has 1.5 lake buses, including private buses. Therefore, there is room for introducing e-busin that can remarkably reduce emissions,” says the Action Plan.
14. The five-year plan of the state assumes that it improves the efficiency of public transport by modernizing the KSRTC bus fleet with energy-efficient buses with LNG/CNG and e-buses.
Published – 21 June 2025 20:31 IS IS
