JSW Begins Independent Journey in India’s Auto Industry with CVs

Jindal Steel Works (JSW) has secured the CMVR Type Approval Certificate from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for its first electric bus. Following this approval, JSW Greentech, the commercial vehicle arm of JSW Green Mobility, can proceed with the production of its inaugural electric bus, the JSW 12M 51+D AC SDX.

The certification confirms that the 12-metre electric bus complies with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) of safety, performance, and regulatory standards required for operation on Indian roads. The JSW 12M 51+D AC SDX is positioned as a full-size, air-conditioned electric bus designed for both urban and intercity operations. The “51+D” configuration denotes a seating layout optimised for mass transit needs, making it suitable for state transport undertakings and fleet operators seeking higher-capacity electric mobility solutions.

JSW Greentech said the certification marks a key milestone in its broader strategy to expand its footprint in sustainable commercial mobility. The company is prioritising the integration of advanced electric drivetrains, battery systems, and vehicle telematics to improve uptime, lower total cost of ownership, and enhance fleet-level operational efficiency.

In addition to JSW Greentech, JSW Green Mobility includes JSW Auto and JSW AutoComp, which oversee passenger vehicle operations and auto component manufacturing, respectively. As of now there’s no concrete information about the specifications of this bus. However, we do know that it will be produced at its state-of-the-art greenfield facility that is being set up in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. This upcoming facility will have an annual production capacity of 10,000 electric buses and 5,000 electric trucks.

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Besides commercial vehicles, JSW is also working on passenger vehicles by collaborating with Chinese carmakers. However, according to a recent report, the Sajjan Jinsal-led company has warned that its first car launch could be delayed unless the Government of India fast-tracks licences to import parts from China. The delay arises from India’s stringent quality control regulations introduced in 2020, which require overseas suppliers to secure local certification before exporting products to the country.