Dana, Switch Mobility partner on electric commercial vehicles

Dana Inc., a global supplier of drivetrain and e-propulsion systems, and Switch Mobility Ltd., a U.K.-based subsidiary of Ashok Leyland that specializes in electric commercial vehicles, have signed a strategic agreement through which Dana will make a strategic investment in Switch Mobility and become a preferred supplier of electric drivetrain components for the company’s e-bus and EV commercial vehicle offerings.

Dana will supply key components to Switch Mobility vehicles such as this Metrodecker electric bus, as part of strategic agreement that also has Dana investing in Switch.

The scope of Dana’s investment in Switch was not provided. Dana will supply its e-axles, gearboxes, motors, inverters, software and controls, as well as power electronics cooling technology.

“Light commercial vehicles and buses continue to present significant opportunities as they lead the commercial-vehicle segment’s shift to fully electrified platforms,” said James Kamsickas, Dana chairman and CEO. “We are pleased to extend our relationships with our long-standing customers, Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility, as they continue to grow and implement their next-generation, road-proven technology that will enable a direct, positive impact on delivering sustainable urban emobility.”

Based in Leeds, Switch Mobility combines the electrical commercial vehicle operations of Ashok Leyland in India and Optare in U.K. to secure a global position in net zero carbon buses and light commercial vehicles.

Dana has over a century of proven track record of leading transformative vehicle technologies,” said Dheeraj Hinduja, chairman of Switch Mobility. “In Switch Mobility, we have an ambitious plan to be leading the zero-carbon mobility globally through positioning innovative products and solutions with best-in-class TCO.

“I believe the co-operation with Dana will accelerate the process, building on our strong relationship of many years. Through the synergy between us and with our shared aspirations, I am confident we will enhance our product offerings significantly and extend our market footprints in many new geographies.”