JBM ECOLIFE E9: India’s first 100% electric, zero-emission bus

As we all know, the world is facing two major problems when it comes to getting around – pollution and traffic jams. India has 14 out of the 20 most polluted cities globally! A major part of this pollution comes from transportation, especially cars and buses. So, it's really important to switch to cleaner and more sustainable ways of getting around.

Public transportation, like buses, plays a huge role in this. Buses are an important part of the Indian transport sector because they constitute the primary mode of transportation for a huge number of people in India. But in India, there aren't enough buses compared to the number of people who need them. That's where companies like JBM come in. They're leading the charge in making modern, high-tech new buses that are good for the environment and comfortable for passengers.

JBM's buses are top-notch, using the latest technology to reduce emissions and even run on electricity. They've set new standards for comfort, safety, and affordability. For nearly 40 years, JBM has been making buses that people love to ride in. And they're not just stopping at city buses – they've expanded to school buses, staff buses, and even buses for airports.

With their expertise and commitment to innovation, JBM is making sure that public transportation in India keeps getting better and cleaner. EV technology has reached a height with the introduction of multiple models in one automobile. Electric cars, scooters, three-wheelers and buses have all been introduced in India. Although electric buses were previously used, advancements have been made in recent years.

The unwavering efforts of the state and central Indian governments to electrify public transportation will propel the Indian electric bus market to its fastest growth peak. India has only a few electric bus manufacturers and JBM Auto is one of them. In this article, we will discuss the specifications, features, and usage of JBM’s most popular model E9 Ecolife. However, first, let us discuss about the company JBM Auto.

Also Read: Top 10 Electric Bus Manufacturing Companies in India

JBM Auto Overview

JBM Auto is the flagship company of the JMB Group. JBM Auto is a bus manufacturer whose main purpose is to produce modern intra-city buses. They manufacture electric buses in collaboration with Solaris Bus of Europe. JBM's main goal is to be a one-stop solution provider in the Electric Vehicles market, offering a comprehensive ecosystem solution for electric mobility. This ecosystem includes battery technology, electric buses, and charging infrastructure. They are currently involved in design, development, engineering, prototyping, testing, and validation.

JBM Motors is one of India's top manufacturers of electric buses. The company is also planning to deploy 5,000 electric buses across the country by the end of the next financial year 2023-2024. To fulfil its target the company is planning to invest Rs 500 crore in capacity building and improving technology. JBM buses are built with cutting-edge technology, ensuring convenience, high quality, and first-rate safety.

The company has set up the world’s largest dedicated integrated EV Ecosystem and Electric bus manufacturing facility (excluding China) with integrated electronics manufacturing facilities. It also has multiple COEs (Centres of Excellence) to fulfil the needs of the EV ecosystem.

JBM company have state-of-the-art Innovation centres and test labs with new-age materials, science and technologies to nurture the EV ecosystem. JBM Auto manufactures buses in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with an installed capacity of 2,000 units per year. 

JBM’s e-bus ecosystem is spread across Maharastra, Gujarat, Andaman & Nicobar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi offering various applications such as city, intercity, staff, school, and tarmac. Along with aviation, e-buses in various cities are serving the needs of the State Transport Undertakings (STUs), government departments, staff and tourist transportation.

JBM E9 Ecolife Electric Bus

The ECO-LIFE E9 was presented at the Auto Expo 2020 auto exhibition. The bus has lithium batteries that can be charged quickly through a plug-in charging system. ECO-LIFE has a corrosion-resistant ladder frame structure that ensures maximum strength and minimum weight while meeting global safety standards of a front or side collision or rollover calamity. 

Other utility features on the buses include a GPS-enabled passenger information system (PIS), a vehicle health monitoring system, a battery management system, and a fire detection and suppression system.

The E9 Ecolife Electric bus offers a versatile solution with options in both low-floor and high-floor platforms, catering to diverse urban transportation needs. With a spacious interior, it comfortably accommodates up to 45 passengers (depending upon the layout you choose), ensuring efficient commuting experiences. Its impressive electric range of 300 kilometers enables extensive daily coverage, making it an ideal choice for urban transit systems. 

Boasting best-in-class performance, it delivers exceptional reliability and efficiency, ensuring smooth operations. Moreover, adhering to world-class safety standards, the E9 Ecolife guarantees peace of mind with an uptime of over 97%, showcasing its commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence.

Dimensions

The ECO-LIFE e9 is a cutting-edge vehicle designed to revolutionize the transportation sector with its eco-friendly and efficient features. Bus has dimensions of 9300 mm X 2477 mm X 3465 mm and a wheelbase of 4750 mm, this vehicle offers ample space for passengers while maintaining manoeuvrability. With a floor height of 900 mm, it ensures stability and accessibility for passengers. 

Brakes and Suspension System

Equipped with heavy-duty rigid front axle and fully floating single reduction rear axle, the ECO-LIFE e9 ensures superior performance and stability. Its suspension system comprises front and rear air suspension with optional Electronic Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS), ensuring a smooth ride even on rough terrain. The electric bus features all-disc brakes with optional drum brakes, providing reliable stopping power.

Performance and Realiability

Powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor with a maximum power output of 200kW, the ECO-LIFE e9 achieves a maximum speed of 80 kmph. Its advanced Li-ion battery with regenerative braking system allows for plug-in fast charging using CCS-2 technology, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.

Safety Features

Safety and comfort are paramount in the ECO-LIFE e9, with features such as automatic passenger doors integrated with an extra lower step for ease of entry, electric motor-driven hydraulic power-assisted steering with tilt and telescopic mechanism, and HVAC options for heating. The vehicle also incorporates safety measures like protection against surge, short circuit, and overload, constant insulation monitoring, and interlock for added safety.

Also Read: Top 5 Electric Buses In India

Driving Range

With a daily operational range of 300 km, the ECO-LIFE e9 ensures reliable performance for daily transportation needs. Its comfortable legroom, USB charging ports, vehicle tracking system, and reclining seats further enhance the passengers' comfort and convenience, making it a preferred choice for modern urban transportation solutions.

CMV360 Says

The introduction of the JBM Eco-Life E9 represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation system in India. This innovative electric bus, with its advanced technology and spacious design, offers a promising solution to urban transport challenges. By prioritizing passenger comfort and safety while addressing pollution and traffic congestion, the E9 sets an example for cleaner and more efficient transit systems. As India invests further in electrifying transportation, vehicles like the E9 electric bus boosts confidence in a greener, more sustainable future for all.