Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy launch a “15-minute charging” intercity electric bus at Prawaas 4.0

by Usha Praveen

Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy unveiled their latest collaboration at Prawaas 4.0, being held in Bangalore, India: the Veera Mahasamrat EV is an innovative intercity electric bus boating a remarkable 15-minute charging capability, promising to lower operating costs and enhance sustainability within the transportation sector. 

At the same expo, Volvo – Eicher joint-venture VECV showcased 3 vehicles, including EV intercity coach and Tata Motors raised the curtain on its new 7-meter Ultra EV minibus.

Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy at Prawaas 4.0 with Veera Mahasamrat EV

The Veera Mahasamrat EV is touted as the world’s first intercity bus capable of such rapid charging, utilizing Exponent’s advanced 1 MW charging technology (yet to be installed). Measuring 13.5 meters and featuring two axles, this electric bus is equipped with a 320 kWh battery pack and offers an impressive warranty of 600,000 kilometers or 3,000 life cycles. 

The initial rollout of the Veera Maha samrat EV will focus on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route, with Exponent Energy planning to establish four 1 MW charging stations along this corridor—two at each terminus and two en route. This infrastructure aims to facilitate a smooth transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) buses to electric vehicles, maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing downtime. 

Veera Mahasamrat EV to be introduced

The introduction of the Veera Mahasamrat EV is expected to reduce fleet operating costs by up to 30% compared to traditional ICE buses. The rapid 15-minute charging and an extensive Exponent charging network are designed to address concerns about range and lengthy charging times, making electric buses a viable option for long-haul intercity routes. 

Exponent Energy’s technology includes a sophisticated battery management system (BMS), advanced charging algorithms, and a proprietary off-board thermal management system. This system actively cools the battery during charging to maintain optimal performance, even in ambient temperatures as high as 50°C.