Veera Vahana And Exponent Energy Launch World's Fastest Charging E-Bus: 15-Minute Full Charge

Exponent Energy, an energy-tech company, has joined forces with bus manufacturer Veera Vahana to introduce the world's fastest charging electric bus, which can fully charge in just 15 minutes.

The ‘Veera Mahasamrat EV’ — a long-haul intercity electric bus, unveiled on 29 August, features Exponent Energy's 320 kWh battery pack and leverages their 1-MW charging technology, allowing the bus to achieve a significant range with only a 15-minute rapid charge.

This 1-MW charging technology is one of only three such systems globally, alongside Tesla and Siemens, and is entirely designed, engineered, and built in India.

The bus also comes with a battery warranty covering 600,000 kilometres or 3,000 life cycles, according to a joint statement from the companies.

K Srinivas Reddy, managing director of Veera Vahana, noted that electric buses have traditionally been limited to intracity or short intercity routes due to range limitations and lengthy charging times.

He emphasised that the Veera Mahasamrat EV addresses these challenges by offering rapid 15-minute charging, comparable to the refuelling time of diesel buses. This innovation makes it easier for operators to transition to electric buses while reducing operational costs.

The Veera Mahasamrat EV is projected to deliver a 30 per cent reduction in operating costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses.

The two companies are currently focusing on electrifying the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route, with plans for Exponent Energy to install 1 MW charging stations along this 650 km route — two at each end and two along the highway.

Arun Vinayak, co-founder and chief executive officer of Exponent Energy, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the milestone of developing this cutting-edge technology. He stressed that the 15-minute rapid charging capability and the expansive network would unlock long-haul intercity e-bus travel.