Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy unveil world's first 15-minute charging intercity electric bus - Veera Mahasamrat EV

ETAuto Desk ETAuto Desk | 08-30 00:30

Veera Mahasamrat EV
Veera Vahana, a prominent figure in the bus industry, has partnered with energy-tech company Exponent Energy to unveil the Veera Mahasamrat EV, the world’s first 15-minute charging intercity electric bus. This 13.5-meter electric bus, powered by Exponent's 320 kWh battery pack, offers a virtually unlimited range with rapid 15-minute charging through Exponent’s 1MW charging network. This breakthrough bus also boasts a 6,00,000 km or 3000 battery life cycles warranty, enhancing financing options and ease of ownership.

The Veera Mahasamrat EV is poised to revolutionise operations for fleet owners by significantly reducing operating expenses by 30% compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses. With Exponent’s 1MW charging network along highways, bus operators can now efficiently manage long-haul intercity routes without concerns about range or long charging times.

Initially, the companies are concentrating on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route. To ensure smooth operations, Exponent Energy is setting up four 1MW charging stations—two at each endpoint and two along the highway. This arrangement will enable bus operators to transition from ICE to electric buses seamlessly, maintaining a similar number of stops and similar downtime per stop.

“Today, electric buses are restricted to short-haul or intracity operations due to limited range and long charging time. It’s difficult to package a single battery to deliver 600km of range and with long charging time - customers are not willing to wait for an hour along the highway. Typically, diesel buses stop every 300 km for 15-20 minutes and our unique partnership with Exponent mimics the same experience. Now, bus operators can seamlessly switch to electric with the Veera Mahasamrat EV and save more in their operations!” said K. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director of Veera Vahana.

The technology behind it

The innovative technology from Exponent Energy meticulously manages each battery cell’s characteristics through a comprehensive Battery Management System (BMS), advanced charging algorithms, and a proprietary off-board thermal management system. This system actively pumps coolant to the battery during charging to maintain optimal temperature, ensuring consistent performance even in ambient temperatures as high as 50°C.

“We’re excited to partner with Veera Vahana, a seasoned player in the bus industry, to truly electrify the long-haul intercity bus segment. We’re thrilled to have built the world’s third 1MW charging technology – after Tesla & Siemens – in India, for India. With freedom & accessibility delivered by 15-minute rapid charging and the Exponent network, we’re committed to enabling all of India to go electric,” said Arun Vinayak, Co-founder & CEO of Exponent Energy.

Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy, both pioneers in the electric vehicle sector, are dedicated to driving progress and shaping the future of mobility through cutting-edge innovation and strategic collaboration. The launch of the Veera Mahasamrat EV represents a significant leap forward in the long-haul intercity bus segment, offering a practical and efficient electric alternative for bus operators in India.

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