Veera Vahana and Exponent Launch India’s First Rapid-Charging 13.5m E-Bus

Veera Mahasamrat EV, 3.5m electric bus with 15-minute rapid charging. It offers long-range travel and cost savings, starting with the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route.

Karnataka- Veera Vahana Udyog Pvt Ltd., and Exponent Energy Pvt Ltd., have launched the Veera Mahasamrat EV, the first 13.5m two-axle electric bus with rapid 15-minute charging. Powered by Exponent's 320 kWh battery and 1MW charging network, it promises virtually unlimited range. This partnership aims to transform long-haul intercity travel, starting with the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route, supported by four 1 MW charging stations to ensure smooth operations.

The Veera Mahasamrat EV cuts fleet operating costs by 30% compared to traditional ICE buses. With rapid 15-minute charging, it matches the routine of diesel buses, which stop every 300 km for a break. This innovation makes switching to electric more practical and cost-effective.

Mr. K. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director of Veera Vahana, said, "Diesel buses traditionally stop every 300 km for 15-20 minutes. Our partnership with Exponent replicates this experience with the Veera Mahasamrat EV, allowing bus operators to switch to electric seamlessly while achieving significant cost savings in their operations.”

This innovation features a cutting-edge Battery Management System (BMS), advanced charging algorithms, and a proprietary off-board thermal management system. This system actively circulates coolant during charging to keep the battery at an optimal temperature, ensuring reliable performance even in temperatures up to 50°C.

Mr. Arun Vinayak, Co-founder & CEO of Exponent Energy, said, "We're thrilled to partner with Veera Vahana, a leader in the bus industry, to electrify long-haul intercity travel. With the launch of India's third 1 MW charging technology after Tesla and Siemens we’re excited to offer 15-minute rapid charging and our extensive network. Our goal is to make electric buses a reality across India, delivering both freedom and accessibility."

Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy are advancing electric vehicle technology through their collaboration, focusing on rapid-charging infrastructure and battery performance. The Veera Mahasamrat EV features an impressive battery warranty of 600,000 km or 3,000 life cycles, easing financing and ownership for fleet operators. As leaders in the EV sector, their partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainable transportation, making long-haul intercity travel eco-friendlier and more efficient.