Jindal Stainless Partners with JBM Auto for Energy-Efficient Electric Buses

Key Highlights:
•    Jindal Stainless teams up with JBM Auto for 500 stainless electric buses.
•    JBM Auto shifts to stainless steel for stronger, lighter buses.
•    Jindal Stainless will provide high-strength JT Tubes for bus production.
•    The collaboration aims to cut energy use and emissions in public transit.

Jindal Stainless, India’s largest stainless steel manufacturer, has joined hands with JBM Auto Ltd., the country’s leading electric bus manufacturer. Together, they aim to fabricate over 500 energy-efficient and lightweight stainless steel electric buses.

JBM Auto, which has an order book of nearly 5000 electric buses, is transitioning from using carbon steel to stainless steel. The buses would be lighter, operate better, have more strength and have longer life.

According to the press release, Jindal Stainless will provide JBM Auto with JT Tubes. JT Tubes will be made of low-carbon, chromium-manganese austenitic stainless steel. 

The material, also known as N7 in the Bureau of Indian Standards specification 6911, is three times stronger than the carbon steel currently used to manufacture buses. By incorporating stainless steel, the buses will benefit from lightweight, improved performance, higher strength, and better durability.

Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, expressed enthusiasm about shaping India’s sustainable future. He emphasised that lighter vehicles contribute to reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, stainless steel’s corrosion-resistant properties minimize the need for frequent repairs and maintenance, making it a cost-effective solution over the entire lifecycle.

Mr. Nishant Arya, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of JBM Auto Ltd., highlighted their commitment to innovation and clean mobility. Their mission is to create an end-to-end electric mobility ecosystem, making EVs the most sustainable mode of public commuting. The collaboration with Jindal Stainless is expected to accelerate this mission.

JBM Auto is also transitioning its export orders for electric buses to energy-efficient stainless steel. The material will be supplied through Jindal Stainless Steelway Limited (JSSL), specialising in customisation and value addition. 

Also Read: JBM Launches Eco-Friendly Electric Buses in Odisha

The JT Tubes will be used in making the superstructure of buses tailored for domestic operations in Telangana, designed to combat the corrosive environment. The fabrication of stainless steel buses by JBM Auto is set to commence this month.

CMV360 Says

The partnership between Jindal Stainless and JBM Auto is a game-changer for India's transportation landscape. With their lightweight stainless steel electric buses, they're not just making buses stronger but also more eco-friendly. This step reflects a commitment to innovation and highlights the potential of stainless steel to revolutionize the public transportation sector, offering a cleaner and more reliable alternative for commuters.