Switch Mobility is an electric commercial vehicle company focused on zero‑emission buses and light commercial vehicles, created by combining Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle operations with the UK-based Optare. Backed by Ashok Leyland of the Hinduja Group-India’s second‑largest commercial vehicle manufacturer-Switch brings deep bus engineering know‑how and global scale to battery‑electric platforms serving public transport and urban logistics.
Operating across India, the UK and Europe, the company designs and manufactures purpose‑built electric buses (including the SWITCH EiV range in India and the SWITCH e1 in Europe) and electric light commercial vehicles (the SWITCH IeV series) aimed at lowering total cost of ownership while accelerating fleet decarbonisation. With manufacturing and engineering capabilities in both India and the UK, Switch leverages proven bus body expertise and EV systems integration to deliver reliable uptime, integrated support, and connected vehicle features tailored to demanding duty cycles in city operations and last‑mile delivery.
This comprehensive guide provides essential insights into Switch Mobility's operations, culture, and recruitment process, equipping readers with the knowledge needed to excel in interviews and understand the company's strategic direction.
1. Company Overview
About Switch Mobility
Switch Mobility is the electric vehicle arm of Ashok Leyland (Hinduja Group), dedicated to designing and manufacturing battery‑electric buses and light commercial vehicles for global markets.
Formed by consolidating the EV-focused legacy of UK bus maker Optare with Ashok Leyland’s electrification initiatives, Switch addresses urban transportation and logistics with zero‑emission products engineered for high uptime, safety, and total cost efficiency. Its portfolio spans city buses for India, the UK and Europe, and e‑LCVs for last‑mile operations in India, supported by aftersales and fleet services.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985 as Optare and was rebranded to Switch Mobility in November 2020 |
| Founders | Ashok Leyland (Hinduja Group) |
| Industry | electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry |
| Headquarters | Chennai, India |
| Key Services | Design, manufacture, sale, and support of battery‑electric buses and electric light commercial vehicles |
Company History
Trace Switch Mobility's evolution through key periods, highlighting major transformations and growth phases.
- 1985: Founded as Optare, a British bus manufacturer.
- 2020: Ashok Leyland acquires Optare and rebrands it as Switch Mobility, focusing on electric and alternative fuel vehicles.
- 2021: Switch Mobility is officially launched as an independent EV-focused company.
- 2021: Announces plans to establish a dedicated EV manufacturing plant in India.
- 2021: Acquires the EV division of Ashok Leyland, consolidating its electric vehicle operations.
- 2021: Andy Palmer is appointed as Executive Vice Chairman & CEO.
- 2023: Becomes the third-largest electric bus manufacturer in India with a 20% market share.
- 2025: Optare Plc, an Ashok Leyland subsidiary, increases its stake, gaining full control of Switch Mobility.
Key Milestones in Switch Mobility History
Critical achievements that shaped Switch Mobility's trajectory and market position.
| Year | Milestone / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Founded as Optare, a British bus manufacturer. |
| 1997 | Launched the award-winning low-floor Solo bus, earning the Millennium Products award and the Queen’s Award for Innovation. |
| 2014 | Introduced the Metrodecker, the first British-built pure electric double-decker bus in London. |
| November 2020 | Optare rebranded as Switch Mobility, becoming the Hinduja Group’s global EV arm. |
| April 2021 | Established OHM Global Mobility for eMaaS solutions and joined the Race to Zero initiative. |
| July 2021 | Signed a strategic partnership with Dana Incorporated, valuing Switch at $1.6 billion. |
| March 2022 | Became the first global bus manufacturer certified carbon neutral and began constructing its European site in Spain. |
| June 2022 | Launched the Switch E1 (Europe) and EiV12 (India) electric bus platforms. |
| September 2023 | Introduced IeV3 and IeV4 electric light commercial vehicles for logistics. |
| May 2025 | Reported that Switch Mobility’s strong performance significantly contributed to Ashok Leyland’s FY25 results. |
2. Mission, Vision, and Values
Core principles and strategic direction sourced directly from Switch Mobility's official website.
Mission
Our mission emphasizes our dedication to transforming transportation with sustainable technologies that enhance both environmental and human well-being.
Vision
This vision reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in developing clean mobility solutions that benefit customers, communities, and the planet.
3. Comprehensive Product and Service Offerings
Switch Mobility develops and manufactures battery‑electric buses and electric light commercial vehicles for public transport and urban logistics. Its portfolio spans India, the UK and Europe, with models engineered for high uptime, safety, and optimized total cost of ownership, supported by aftersales and fleet services.
1.Electric Vehicles Portfolio
Switch Mobility’s official portfolio includes battery‑electric city buses for India and Europe and electric light commercial vehicles for last‑mile logistics, built on dedicated EV architectures and supported by connected and service solutions.
- SWITCH EiV 12: A 12‑metre battery‑electric city bus designed for Indian operating conditions and duty cycles, focused on reliability, safety, passenger comfort, and lower total cost of ownership for public transport operators.
- SWITCH e1: A lightweight, 12‑metre electric city bus engineered for European urban routes, combining an efficient body structure with zero‑emission driveline technology to deliver quiet operations and improved energy efficiency.
- SWITCH IeV Series: Electric light commercial vehicles developed for last‑mile logistics in India, offering zero‑emission urban goods movement with an emphasis on payload utility, uptime, and dependable service support.
4. Key Competitors of Switch Mobility:
Switch Mobility competes with established zero-emission bus manufacturers across India and the UK, including Tata Motors, Olectra Greentech, JBM Auto, Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), and Wrightbus. These companies challenge Switch in public-transport tenders, technology roadmaps (battery-electric and hydrogen), total cost of ownership, and after-sales support, especially in large city and state fleet deployments.
1. Tata Motors
India-based commercial vehicle OEM manufacturing battery-electric buses (e.g., Starbus and Ultra EV ranges) supplied to multiple state transport undertakings.
- Overview: A leading Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer with dedicated zero-emission bus platforms for urban public transport.
- Services: Design and manufacture of electric buses, turnkey fleet and charging solutions, operations and maintenance support.
- Market Position: Major participant in Indian e-bus tenders and large city fleet deployments.
2. Olectra Greentech
Indian electric bus manufacturer supplying battery-electric buses to cities and state transport corporations.
- Overview: Specializes in manufacturing of e-buses for public transport; has delivered fleets across multiple Indian states.
- Services: Electric bus manufacturing, fleet maintenance, and charging ecosystem partnerships.
- Market Position: Recognized player in India’s electric bus market with recurring orders from public transport agencies.
3. JBM Auto
Indian OEM producing battery-electric buses under the JBM brand for urban and intercity applications.
- Overview: Part of the JBM Group; designs and manufactures electric buses and supporting EV ecosystem solutions.
- Services: Electric bus manufacturing, depot charging solutions, operations and maintenance services.
- Market Position: Competes in Indian e-bus tenders with a portfolio targeting city and BRT use-cases.
4. Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL)
UK-based bus manufacturer offering battery-electric buses for urban fleets, including single- and double-deck models.
- Overview: A prominent UK bus builder (part of NFI Group) with a range of zero-emission buses for domestic and export markets.
- Services: Bus design and manufacturing, parts and service support, fleet solutions for zero-emission transitions.
- Market Position: Key competitor in the UK zero-emission bus market, frequently supplying large public transport operators.
5. Wrightbus
Northern Ireland-based manufacturer producing battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell buses for UK and international markets.
- Overview: Designs and builds zero-emission buses, including the Electroliner (BEV) and Hydroliner (FCEV) ranges.
- Services: Vehicle manufacturing, aftersales support, and zero-emission fleet transition services.
- Market Position: Active supplier in UK procurements for zero-emission buses, competing on range, energy efficiency, and lifecycle costs.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
Switch Mobility demonstrates its commitment to social impact through comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility programs. The company's initiatives span environmental sustainability, community development, education, and social welfare, reflecting its dedication to creating positive change beyond business operations.
Environment and Sustainability (Group CSR applicable to Switch Mobility)
As part of Ashok Leyland’s group CSR (under which Switch Mobility operates), environment programs focus on afforestation, biodiversity protection, and responsible waste management in communities around company locations. Typical interventions include large-scale tree plantation drives, creation of green belts, solid-waste segregation with local bodies, and awareness campaigns on climate and air quality, benefiting residents, schools, and local ecosystems near operational areas.
Road to School (Education Program)
Road to School is Ashok Leyland’s flagship education initiative implemented across the group’s communities, supporting government schools through remedial learning, foundational literacy and numeracy, teacher enablement, and co-curricular development. The program strengthens classroom processes and basic infrastructure, improving attendance and learning outcomes for children in schools situated near company sites where Switch Mobility is part of the broader group presence.
Community Health and Hygiene
Group CSR-led health initiatives provide primary healthcare access in underserved areas around manufacturing and office locations. Activities include medical camps, maternal and child health support, school health screening, sanitation and WASH interventions (safe toilets, handwashing facilities), and menstrual hygiene awareness. These programs aim to reduce preventable illnesses and improve overall wellbeing for women, children, and vulnerable households living near company operations.
Road Safety and Driver Training
Ashok Leyland’s CSR on road safety-relevant across the group including Switch Mobility-comprises structured training for commercial drivers through dedicated training centers and widespread community and school awareness campaigns. The program promotes defensive driving, vehicle safety, pedestrian discipline, and helmet/seatbelt use, helping reduce accidents and enhancing safety for drivers, school children, and road users in the regions where the group operates.
Water Conservation and Sanitation
Group CSR undertakes water stewardship in communities proximate to company locations by restoring ponds and lakes, enabling rainwater harvesting in schools and public institutions, and improving access to safe drinking water. Complementary sanitation efforts include toilet construction and maintenance support where needed. These interventions improve groundwater recharge, water security, and hygiene outcomes for local residents and students around operational areas linked to the group.
Skill Development and Livelihoods
Aligned with Ashok Leyland’s CSR priorities, skill-building programs prepare youth and women from nearby communities for employment and entrepreneurship through industry-relevant vocational training (automotive service, electrical, welding and allied trades), soft-skill development, and apprenticeships with ecosystem partners. These initiatives enhance employability and household incomes in the regions where Switch Mobility-being part of the group-maintains its community presence.
6. Career Opportunities at Switch Mobility
Switch Mobility offers diverse career paths across its global operations, providing opportunities for professionals at various stages of their careers. The company's commitment to talent development and inclusive growth creates an environment where individuals can build meaningful and impactful careers.
Job Profiles and Departments
Explore the wide range of professional opportunities available across Switch Mobility's organizational structure:
- Vehicle Engineering (EV Systems, Battery, Powertrain): Design and integrate high-voltage architectures, traction motors, inverters, and battery systems for zero-emission buses and light commercial vehicles. Roles span electrical and mechanical design, systems engineering, thermal management, validation, and homologation. Skills include model-based design, functional safety, DFMEA/PFMEA, and EV standards. Growth paths include technical specialist, module lead, chief engineer, and platform architect.
- Software, Controls & Diagnostics: Develop embedded software for vehicle controllers, battery management systems, and telematics, including calibration, diagnostics, and cybersecurity. Work on connected services and analytics via the company’s digital platform for fleet uptime and energy optimization. Roles progress from embedded engineer to controls lead, architecture owner, and product manager for digital services.
- Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering & Operations: Support new product introduction, line balancing, and continuous improvement for bus and LCV production. Responsibilities include process design, tooling, quality assurance, and HSE compliance. Candidates bring lean manufacturing, 8D/5-Why, and problem-solving skills. Career growth covers area leadership, plant program management, and operations excellence.
- Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Quality: Manage sourcing of EV aggregates (cells, packs, e-axles, power electronics), cost negotiations, vendor development, and logistics. Ensure supplier quality and PPAP readiness, with strong competencies in cost engineering, contracts, and localization. Progression includes commodity leadership, supplier development lead, and global sourcing management.
- Sales, Bids & Program Management (Public Transport & EaaS): Lead tenders, commercial proposals, and program delivery for city and state transport undertakings, private operators, and e-bus-as-a-service engagements. Coordinate cross-functional execution on cost, schedule, and performance. Roles advance to key account director, portfolio manager, and business development leadership.
- After-Sales, Service & Field Quality: Commission fleets, run preventive maintenance, and resolve field issues using telematics-driven diagnostics. Manage parts, warranty, and training for operators. Skills include HV safety, CAN tools, root-cause analysis, and customer support. Growth paths include regional service leadership, reliability engineering, and lifecycle services management.
Growth and Development Opportunities
Switch Mobility invests significantly in employee development through structured programs and initiatives:
- Role-based Technical Learning: Structured training in EV systems, high-voltage safety, functional safety, and diagnostics, complemented by on-the-job learning, design reviews, and certification pathways relevant to automotive and e-mobility roles.
- Leadership and Management Development: Capability-building for first-line managers and program leads, focusing on stakeholder management, delivery excellence, and cross-functional leadership in fast-scaling EV programs.
- Global and Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and service teams in India, the UK, and Europe, including rotations aligned to product launches and fleet deployments.
- Innovation and Product Incubation: Channels for employees to propose ideas, run pilots, and develop proofs-of-concept in areas such as energy optimization, connected services, and new product variants.
- Inclusive Workplace and Wellbeing: Policies and practices that support diversity and inclusion, employee wellbeing, and safe workplaces-with a strong emphasis on high-voltage safety, ergonomics, and continuous improvement.
7. Future Outlook and Strategic Plans
This section presents Switch Mobility's official strategic direction based on investor presentations, press releases, and sustainability reports. All information is sourced from verified company communications and reflects confirmed initiatives and goals.
Switch Mobility's future strategy is structured around key focus areas designed to align with global market trends and industry evolution:
1. Digital, Product Platforms and Service-led Mobility
Switch Mobility’s strategy prioritizes scalable electric platforms for buses and light commercial vehicles, complemented by a digital backbone that improves uptime, safety, and total cost of ownership for fleet customers. The company’s product roadmap spans European city buses and India-focused platforms tailored to local duty cycles.
Its connected vehicle suite provides real-time telematics, energy management, and remote diagnostics to maximize fleet availability. Alongside vehicle sales, Switch is developing service-led offerings with operators and city authorities, including charging ecosystem integration and lifecycle support, to accelerate adoption and deliver predictable operating performance across diverse markets.
- Product launches confirmed by the company: SWITCH e1 (Europe), SWITCH EiV 12 and EiV 22 double-decker (India), and SWITCH IeV 3/4 electric LCVs.
- Deployment of the SWITCH iON connected platform for telematics, energy insights, and remote diagnostics across new vehicle lines.
- Memorandum of Understanding with Siemens Limited in India to collaborate on depot charging and integrated e-mobility solutions.
- Lightweight design (e.g., aluminum monocoque on the e1) to reduce energy consumption and improve operating efficiency.
2. Sustainability and ESG Goals
As a pure-play electric vehicle company, Switch Mobility’s core mission is to enable zero-emission public transport and urban logistics. The strategy focuses on displacing diesel fleets with battery-electric solutions, improving energy efficiency per kilometer, and enabling cleaner depot operations through interoperable charging ecosystems.
Designs emphasize safety, efficiency, and maintainability over the vehicle lifecycle. Localization, supplier development, and materials efficiency support reduced embedded emissions while strengthening supply resilience in key markets. Across products and services, Switch aims to help cities meet air-quality and decarbonization goals with reliable, high-availability electric fleets.
- Electric-only product portfolio for buses and LCVs to eliminate tailpipe emissions in targeted applications.
- Confirmed collaboration with charging ecosystem partners to enable efficient depot operations and fleet electrification.
- Safety-first engineering and compliance with applicable EV and battery standards across markets of operation.
- Design choices that prioritize energy efficiency and maintainability to lower lifecycle environmental impact.
3. Market Expansion
Switch Mobility continues to scale in its two core regions-Europe/UK and India-while developing selective opportunities with operators and city authorities. In Europe, the company targets city bus tenders with a modern low-floor product and connected services.
In India, it focuses on state transport undertakings and private operators for intra-city buses and last-mile logistics through its EiV and IeV platforms. Strategic partnerships and localized manufacturing underpin competitive total cost of ownership, while service propositions support long-term fleet performance and operator confidence.
- Announced manufacturing and industrial plans in Valladolid, Spain, to serve European markets.
- Partnership announcement with Chalo in India to deploy electric buses under service-led models.
- Expansion of the India-focused portfolio with EiV city buses and IeV electric LCVs for last-mile logistics.
- Collaboration with public and private operators to address city routes, depot readiness, and duty-cycle-specific specifications.
4. Innovation and R&D
Innovation at Switch Mobility centers on integrated EV architectures, safety, and software-defined capabilities. Engineering teams in the UK and India focus on propulsion systems, battery technology, thermal management, body-in-white, and digital platforms.
The roadmap includes expanding product variants, improving energy density and charging compatibility, and enabling over-the-air updates to keep fleets current. Close collaboration with operators informs route-level optimization and real-world validation, ensuring that product iterations deliver measurable gains in range, efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.
- Dedicated engineering capabilities across battery systems, e-axles, power electronics, and controls in the UK and India.
- Planned feature upgrades via software and over-the-air update capability on new platforms.
- Ecosystem collaborations with charging and digital partners to accelerate product and service innovation.
- Duty-cycle simulation and operator trials to validate range, efficiency, and uptime improvements.
5. Talent and Workforce Strategy
Switch Mobility’s people strategy focuses on building EV-specific capabilities, maintaining a strong safety culture, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative workplace. The company recruits across engineering, operations, and service functions, providing structured learning and leadership pathways.
With teams in India, the UK, and Europe, Switch encourages knowledge-sharing and mobility to support major launches and fleet programs. Emphasis on high-voltage safety, systems thinking, and data-driven decision-making equips employees to deliver high-availability, cost-effective electric fleets for customers.
- Confirmed hiring across engineering, manufacturing, after-sales, and digital roles in key markets.
- Safety and high-voltage training embedded in onboarding and role-based curricula.
- Upskilling through mentorship, technical learning, and cross-functional projects.
- Opportunities for international collaboration across India, the UK, and Europe aligned to program needs.
6. Financial Performance and Capital Discipline
Switch Mobility emphasizes disciplined capital allocation, platform commonality, and localization to improve unit economics as volumes scale. The strategy balances investment in core vehicle platforms and digital services with partnerships for charging infrastructure to minimize capital intensity.
Operational excellence programs across manufacturing and supply chain aim to strengthen gross margins while maintaining quality and reliability. The company also benefits from strategic support within its parent group to execute growth initiatives responsibly.
- Focus on revenue growth from core platforms (city buses and LCVs) and lifecycle services.
- Capital-light approach to infrastructure via collaborations with established charging partners.
- Cost optimization through localization, VA/VE, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
- Prudent funding support and governance through parent-group oversight for growth and operations.
8.Latest News & Updates about Switch Mobility
Stay informed about Switch Mobility's recent developments, announcements, and industry recognition through curated news coverage.
9. Conclusion
Switch Mobility is a pure-play electric vehicle company within the Hinduja Group, bringing together UK and India capabilities to deliver zero-emission buses and light commercial vehicles. With platforms such as the SWITCH e1 for Europe, the EiV 12 and EiV 22 double-decker for India, and the IeV range for urban logistics, the company pairs proven vehicle engineering with its SWITCH iON connected ecosystem. Confirmed partnerships and localized manufacturing underpin a focus on uptime, safety, and total cost of ownership, positioning Switch as a credible partner for cities and operators advancing clean, efficient public transport.
For candidates, Switch Mobility offers roles spanning EV engineering, software and controls, operations, supply chain, programs, sales, and field service-supported by role-based learning, high-voltage safety training, and cross-regional collaboration. Professionals can contribute to meaningful decarbonization outcomes, build expertise in fast-growing e-mobility domains, and shape customer success through reliable fleets and service-led offerings. If you value engineering rigor, operational excellence, and real-world impact, Switch provides a strong platform to grow your career in sustainable transport.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Switch Mobility Candidates
- Research and Preparation: Thoroughly understand Switch Mobility's business model, recent developments, and strategic initiatives. Stay updated on industry trends and the company's competitive positioning to demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge during interviews.
- Cultural Alignment: Familiarize yourself with Switch Mobility's values, mission, and corporate culture. Prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate alignment with these principles and showcase how you can contribute to the company's objectives.
- Technical Competency: Develop relevant skills and knowledge specific to your target role at Switch Mobility. Understand the technical requirements and industry standards that apply to your area of interest within the organization.
- Industry Awareness: Stay informed about broader industry trends, challenges, and opportunities that affect Switch Mobility's business. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions about the company's strategic direction and market position.