GEMS is a new electric mobility arm of Universal Bus Services (UBS), a well-established intercity and interstate private bus operator in South India. The subsidiary manages the parent company’s electric bus fleet.
The Magna EV is a 12-metre-long intercity electric coach, measuring 2.6 metres in width and 3.7 metres in height, with a 6.2-metre wheelbase. It offers 44 passenger seats in a 2×2 configuration, a fold-up conductor seat, and a standard or air-suspended (optional) driver’s seat. All passenger seats are equipped with USB ports, seat-back hooks, and integrated bottle holders for added convenience.
Tata Motors equips the Magna EV with a 250 kW motor and offers customisable battery pack options. According to the company, the model reaches a top speed of up to 85 kph, handles gradients of up to 17º, and delivers a range of up to 300 kilometres. It comes with rear air suspension and offers front air suspension as an option for improved ride comfort.
“This MoU marks a significant milestone as we transition to electric intercity travel with the Magna EV coaches,” said Sunil Kumar Ravindran, Managing Partner at UBS and Director of GEMS. “With reduced operating costs and zero emissions, this fleet will not only boost our efficiency but also reinforce our commitment to sustainable mobility.”
In addition to the direct order from Tata Motors, GEMS also signed an MoU to lease 50 electric buses from Electrigo at the same event. While the company has not disclosed further details, it has revealed that Electrigo has already placed an order for the first ten units.
Tata Motors is India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and the market leader in the country’s electric bus segment. The company has supplied more than 3,600 electric buses, currently in operation across 11 cities. Its zero-emission fleet has collectively covered over 340 million kilometres and maintains an uptime of more than 95 per cent, reflecting high reliability.
tatamotors.com
