Veera Vahana, a leading player in the bus industry, has teamed up with energy-tech company Exponent Energy to introduce the Veera Mahasamrat EV, the world’s first 13.5-meter electric bus on two axles. This groundbreaking vehicle is set to revolutionize long-haul intercity travel with its 15-minute rapid charging capability, supported by Exponent Energy’s 1MW charging network.
The Veera Mahasamrat EV is equipped with Exponent’s 320 kWh battery pack, providing a virtually unlimited range and enabling rapid charging while on the move. The bus comes with an impressive battery warranty of 600,000 kilometers or 3,000 battery life cycles, facilitating better financing options and easing ownership.
Fleet owners stand to benefit significantly from this innovation, as the Veera Mahasamrat EV is expected to cut operating expenses by 30% compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses. With the introduction of 15-minute rapid charging and Exponent’s charging network along major highways, bus operators can now transition to electric vehicles for long-haul routes without concerns over range or extended charging times.
Currently, Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy are focusing on electrifying the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route. To support this initiative, Exponent Energy will deploy four 1 MW charging stations – two at each endpoint and two along the highway – ensuring a seamless transition for bus operators from ICE to electric while maintaining similar stop frequencies and downtime.
K. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director of Veera Vahana, commented, “Electric buses have been limited to short-haul or intracity routes due to range and charging time constraints. Our partnership with Exponent addresses these issues by mimicking the traditional diesel bus experience, allowing operators to switch to electric with ease and operational savings.”
Exponent Energy’s technology stack features advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS), charging algorithms, and a proprietary off-board thermal management system. This system actively cools the battery during charging to maintain optimal temperatures and ensure consistent performance even in high ambient temperatures of up to 50°C.
Arun Vinayak, Co-founder and CEO of Exponent Energy, added, “We are excited to collaborate with Veera Vahana to electrify the long-haul intercity bus segment. Our 1 MW charging technology, developed in India, is a significant advancement in the EV sector. With rapid charging and widespread accessibility, we are committed to making electric mobility a reality across India.”
Both Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy remain dedicated to advancing the future of mobility through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
