By Ryan Hooper – Head of Partnerships, Tellus Power Europe
India’s transition to sustainable urban transit has taken a significant leap forward in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Tellus Power Group, in collaboration with Tata AutoComp Systems, has delivered 64 units of high-performance 200 kW DC fast chargers to Tata Power, supporting Tata Motors’ electric buses deployed by BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport) in Mumbai and GSRTC (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation) in Ahmedabad. This deployment – among the largest of its kind – is a milestone in electric bus charging infrastructure, accelerating the adoption of electric buses in two of India’s major metropolitan areas. It showcases how strategic partnerships and advanced EV charging infrastructure can enable cleaner, more efficient public transport while aligning with India’s vision for self-reliance and sustainability.
Fast Charging Infrastructure Powers Urban Electric Bus Fleets
Tata Motors electric buses charging at a Mumbai depot using the 200 kW Tellus Power/Tata AutoComp fast chargers (installed by Tata Power) to enable high uptime for public transport
The introduction of a robust fast-charging network is pivotal for the success of electric buses in urban transit. In Mumbai and Ahmedabad, the installation of 64 DC fast chargers at bus depots and terminuses ensures that Tata Motors’ electric buses can recharge quickly and stay in service throughout the day . Each charger delivers up to 200 kW of power, significantly reducing charging time compared to standard chargers. This means buses can be rapidly charged during scheduled breaks or layovers, allowing transit operators to maintain high throughput on busy routes. By minimising
downtime, the fast chargers help electric buses meet demanding operational schedules, thus making zero-emission transit a viable reality for city authorities and commuters. Moreover, Tata Power’s integration of these chargers into its “EZ Charge” network provides smart monitoring and energy management, ensuring efficient use of the grid while the buses charge. The result is a blueprint for scaling EV charging infrastructure in public transport – one that can be replicated in other cities as electrified bus fleets expand.
Tellus Power & Tata AutoComp: Delivering Reliability and Uptime
Behind this successful deployment is the strong collaboration between Tata AutoComp and Tellus Power. Tata AutoComp Systems Limited – India’s leading auto-components conglomerate – partnered with US-based Tellus Power Green to combine local market expertise with global charging technology. Together, the Tata AutoComp–Tellus team not only supplied the 64 fast chargers but also provided end- to-end installation and commissioning support . Notably, Tellus Power India (in partnership with Tata AutoComp) is managing an ongoing Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with onsite support to ensure seamless uptime of the chargers . This means technicians are on call to address any issues, and preventive maintenance is regularly performed so that the charging stations are available on- demand for the bus operators. High uptime is critical – a non-operational charger could disrupt bus schedules – so this proactive support model gives fleet managers and city planners confidence that the infrastructure will reliably underpin daily operations.
Crucially, 50 of the fast chargers were already commissioned and operational in 2021, with the remainder being rapidly installed soon after . The swift rollout and the reliability-focused support highlight Tellus Power’s commitment to service quality. “We have a proven record of consistent best-in- class products in many countries across Europe, the United States of America, Latin America and the Far East,” a Tellus Power spokesperson noted, underscoring that the company’s chargers have dependably performed in demanding Indian conditions over the last several years. For BEST and GSRTC, this track record and local support translate into confidence that their new electric bus fleets will keep running with minimal interruptions – a key requirement as public transit authorities work to maintain timely schedules and passenger satisfaction.
High-Performance 200 kW Chargers: Technical Advantages for Transit
A 200 kW Tata Power–Tellus Power DC fast charger unit deployed for bus charging. High-power chargers dramatically cut down charging time for large EVs, enabling quick turnaround for Tata’s electric buses
The 200 kW DC fast chargers at the heart of this deployment bring several technical and operational advantages tailored for high-throughput public transit applications. Firstly, rapid charging capability dramatically shortens the time needed to recharge a bus’s battery. A typical electric bus with a mid-size battery pack can be charged to a substantial level in under an hour with a 200 kW charger, as opposed to several hours with a standard charger. This allows bus operators to top-up vehicles during brief stoppages, maintaining service continuity without lengthy downtimes.
Secondly, the chargers are built for heavy-duty use. Designed by Tellus Power to meet global standards, they feature robust components and smart thermal management to ensure safe, efficient operation even under India’s challenging weather and usage conditions. The units are weatherproof for outdoor depot environments and incorporate safety features such as automatic shut- off and real-time monitoring of voltage and temperature. They are also OCPP-compatible (Open Charge Point Protocol), enabling integration with network management systems like Tata Power’s EZ Charge platform for remote monitoring, diagnostics, and software updates.
Another advantage is the scalability of these chargers. Each 200 kW unit can potentially be configured for dual outputs or future power upgrades, meaning the infrastructure can adapt as battery technologies evolve. The high power level also means fewer charging stations are needed to support a given fleet size – an important cost benefit for transit agencies. Furthermore, Tellus’s chargers are known for high efficiency (minimising energy losses) and power factor correction, which reduce stress on the electrical grid even when multiple buses are charging simultaneously. In sum, the technical capabilities of the 200 kW fast chargers ensure that large electric bus fleets can be charged quickly, reliably, and safely, making them ideal for the rigorous demands of public transport operations.
Localisation and Atmanirbhar Bharat: Tata AutoComp’s Strategy
A key aspect of this project is Tata AutoComp’s focus on localisation, aligning with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision. All the EV charging products in this deployment meet the localisation requirements mandated under India’s FAME II policy (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles). In practice, this means a significant portion of the charger components and assembly are sourced or done in India, fostering local manufacturing capabilities. Tata AutoComp, as part of the Tata Group, has been proactively developing domestic expertise in various EV components – from battery packs and drivetrains to thermal management and charging equipment – to reduce reliance on imports.
The partnership with Tellus Power was itself a strategic move to bring advanced charging technology into India and gradually indigenise it. About a year prior to this deployment, Tata AutoComp entered a strategic partnership with Tellus Power Green (USA) specifically to provide charging infrastructure for India’s upcoming EVs and to support faster proliferation of electric vehicles in the country . The supply of the 64 high-power chargers to Tata Power for Mumbai and Ahmedabad’s buses is described by Tata AutoComp as “a very strategic and important step for us as we work synergistically with Tata Group companies to support the vision of our Group Chairman as well as the Govt of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
In addition to deploying chargers, Tata AutoComp and Tellus have committed to aggressively localise the manufacturing of these charging systems. The partners have extended their collaboration for at least another three years, during which they are working on increasing the local content of charger production in India. This not only helps in meeting government policies and availing incentives, but also builds a domestic supply chain for advanced EV charging technology. For Indian customers – whether they are transit agencies, fleet operators or charging network providers – the localisation drive means better long-term support and potentially lower costs. It exemplifies how global technology can be seamlessly integrated with local manufacturing, aligning commercial goals with national initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Global Experience and Innovative Edge of Tellus Power
While this project firmly establishes Tellus Power’s credentials in India, it’s backed by a rich portfolio of global deployments in the electric mobility space. Tellus Power Green is an internationally recognised EV charging solutions provider, trusted by leading automakers and infrastructure operators across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia . The company’s chargers have been proven in varied climates – from the extreme cold of northern Europe to the tropical conditions of Southeast Asia – and in diverse applications ranging from public fast-charging stations to fleet and depot charging. This global track record is evident: for instance, Tellus supplied 40 DC fast chargers to support electric bus operations for manufacturers Sunlong (China) and Daewoo Bus. In Europe, major automakers like Renault and Volkswagen have utilised Tellus chargers in pilot programs , while in the United States, Tellus infrastructure has been deployed with utilities and commercial sites including city fleets in Los Angeles and Houston.
Importantly, Tellus Power is also at the forefront of bidirectional charging innovation – technology that enables vehicles not only to charge from the grid but also to feed energy back into it (Vehicle-to-Grid, V2G). A notable example is in Oakland, California, which recently launched the country’s largest V2G electric school bus project. Each of the 74 electric school buses in Oakland is equipped with its own bidirectional charger built by Tellus Power Green, allowing each bus to discharge up to 50 kWh of electricity back to the grid on a school day (and up to 111 kWh on non-school days). This essentially turns the bus fleet into a giant mobile battery that can support the local power grid during peak demand or emergencies. Such innovation not only showcases Tellus’s technical prowess but also underscores the company’s vision of integrated clean energy ecosystems – where EV charging infrastructure can enhance grid resiliency and provide extra value to fleet operators.
The commitment to innovation is further evidenced by strategic partnerships: in early 2025, Nuvve – a global leader in V2G technology – selected Tellus Power as a key hardware supplier for its next- generation charging solutions after evaluating over 30 manufacturers . Nuvve chose Tellus for its engineering expertise and ability to meet stringent V2G requirements, noting that Tellus offers bidirectional chargers up to 360 kW that passed rigorous validation tests. This kind of endorsement speaks volumes to fleet operators and charging providers worldwide. It means that by choosing Tellus, they are opting for field-tested technology that is ready for the future – whether that future involves ultra-fast 350+ kW charging for intercity electric coaches or smart charging hubs that interact with renewable energy and grid systems.
Driving the Future of Electric Bus Transit
This successful collaboration between Tellus Power Group and Tata AutoComp, underlined by the deployment in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, is more than just a case study – it’s a template for scaling up electric bus infrastructure in India and beyond. By leveraging Tellus’s globally proven fast-charging technology and Tata AutoComp’s robust local execution and manufacturing capabilities, the project delivers immediate benefits: reliable DC fast chargers for Tata electric buses, reduced tailpipe emissions in densely populated cities, and confidence for transit agencies to invest in e-bus fleets. Just as importantly, it creates a virtuous cycle for the ecosystem – encouraging OEMs and bus manufacturers like Tata Motors to accelerate EV offerings, assuring city planners and transport authorities that charging won’t be a bottleneck, and inspiring other stakeholders such as fleet managers and charge point operators (CPOs) to embrace advanced charging solutions.
The Mumbai and Ahmedabad deployments also align with India’s broader climate and energy goals. Electrifying public transport is a cornerstone of reducing urban air pollution and oil dependency. With central and state governments pushing for more electric buses under schemes like FAME, having the charging infrastructure backbone in place is critical. Tellus Power and Tata AutoComp’s partnership demonstrates how public-private cooperation can deliver that backbone quickly and effectively. The emphasis on local production further means these solutions are sustainable in the long term – building local skills, creating jobs, and driving down costs through scale.
In conclusion, the fast chargers energising BEST’s Mumbai buses and GSRTC’s Ahmedabad fleet are not just pieces of hardware; they represent a convergence of technology, policy, and vision. As we charge ahead (quite literally) into an electric future, such collaborations light the way. Tellus Power is proud to play a role in powering India’s electric mobility revolution, and remains committed to supporting partners like Tata AutoComp, Tata Power, and Tata Motors in delivering world-class EV charging infrastructure for Tata electric buses and beyond. Every high-powered charge delivered to an electric bus is a step towards cleaner air, quieter streets, and a more sustainable planet – a journey that India’s cities have wholeheartedly begun, with the rest of the world watching and learning.
Book a free consultation with Ryan or connect directly with him on Linkedin to discuss how Tellus Power can transform your business.
Sources:
2. Tellus Power – Tata AutoComp Case Study & Press Release (via EMobility+ and company statements)
3. Zūm & Canary Media – “Oakland Electric School Bus Fleet with V2G Technology” (2024)
4. The EV Report – “Nuvve Partners with Tellus for V2G Charging Solutions” (Feb 2025)
