The much-awaited prototype of an electric bus will be put on trial in Lucknow by next week and in operation before February end. After Manali and Mumbai, Lucknow is another city where electric buses will be put on trial under the Centre's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric (FAME) India Scheme.

The 39-seater bus costing about Rs 75 lakh will run between Alambagh and Gomtinagar during trial. An electric bus charged fully can run up to 150 kms but if it is an air-conditioned bus, its run will be reduced to 120 kms or so.

"The prototype will be put into regular service after the trial is successful," said joint director, urban transport, Ajit Singh. The eco-friendly buses will operate on six routes of the city.

The directorate will provide 12 chargers, each charging two buses at a time, in Dubagga. A sub-station of 1500Kva is being constructed for the purpose on a five acre land.

 Lucknow City Transport Services Limited (LCTSL) has purchased 40 electric buses for Lucknow which will be delivered by the manufacturing firm in two phases. Besides, 100 electric buses will ply on contractual basis in the city. Centre will bear at least 50 per cent cost of the electric buses.

FAME Scheme:-

To promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same, Department of Heavy Industry is implementing FAME-India Scheme Phase – I [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India] from 1st April 2015.

The scheme was initially up to 31st April 2017, has been extended up to 31st March 2019 or till Notification of FAME-II, whichever is earlier.

FAME-India Scheme Phase – II:

• The scheme proposes to give a push to electric vehicles (EVs) in public transport and
• It seeks to encourage adoption of EVs by way of market creation and demand aggregation.

Automobile Sector:

• 100% FDI by automatic route is permitted in the automobile sector.
• Further, the sector is deregulated, both private sector and public sector are free to carry out investmentin the automobile sector, including for manufacturing of Electric Vehicles and E-Buses.

Background:

FAME India is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. Main thrust of FAME is to encourage electric vehicles by providing subsidies.

Vehicles in most segments – two wheelers, three wheelers, electric and hybrid cars and electric buses obtained the subsidy benefit of the scheme.

• FAME focuses on 4 areas i.e. Technology development, Demand Creation, Pilot Projects and Charging Infrastructure.