Ivoryline 9m: Urban Sphere’s Pioneering Electric Bus Series Achieves International Milestones
Urban Sphere recently made headlines at the SIAT Expo 2024 in Pune, India, with the launch of its innovative Ivoryline 9m electric bus series. This significant event saw the company joining forces with Hanif Qureshi, the Joint Secretary for the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, to introduce a breakthrough in electric transportation. The unveiling marks a significant step towards sustainable mobility solutions, showcasing the potential of electric vehicles in the urban landscape.
In a strategic move to expand its global footprint, Urban Sphere has forged partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with international and local entities. A notable agreement with Espresso Limited in Kenya promises the delivery of 500 Ivoryline electric buses, paving the way for cleaner, more efficient public transport options in the African continent. Similarly, a collaboration with Procurabl aims at local manufacturing of the Ivoryline series, highlighting Urban Sphere’s commitment to fostering local industries and job creation.
Further emphasizing its international ambitions, Urban Sphere has also committed to a groundbreaking MOU to supply over 50,000 Ivoryline 6m electric buses to the Philippines over the next ten years. This initiative not only demonstrates the company’s capacity for large-scale production but also its dedication to supporting global transitions to green transportation.
Central to Urban Sphere’s mission is the vision to establish India as a leading hub for the manufacturing and supply of electric buses. By focusing on indigenous development, the company aims to invigorate the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, driving innovation and economic growth within the country. The Ivoryline series, with its cutting-edge 9m electric skateboard chassis named MULA, embodies this vision. Equipped with a 180 kWh motor and a 193.1 kWh LFP battery pack, these buses are designed for efficiency and sustainability, boasting compatibility with 250 kWh fast chargers for rapid recharging within just 45 minutes.
Karthik Athreya, the CEO of Urban Sphere, has articulated the company’s ethos of innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. By envisioning India as a frontrunner in green mobility solutions, Athreya emphasizes the company’s role in pioneering eco-friendly transportation alternatives.
A testament to Urban Sphere’s commitment to local innovation is the fact that 70% of the Ivoryline series is developed and manufactured within India. This achievement underscores the importance of local expertise and resources in creating sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
The company’s Research and Development Facility in Karnataka, supported by ARAI – AMTIF, has been instrumental in realizing the Ivoryline project, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable transportation solutions.
Urban Sphere’s initiatives at the SIAT Expo 2024 and beyond reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of urban mobility, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Through strategic partnerships, innovative technology, and a commitment to local manufacturing, Urban Sphere is steering the course towards a greener, more sustainable future in transportation.