Veera Vahana Partners With Exponent Energy To Launch Rapid-Charging Electric Intercity Bus

Veera Vahana, a prominent bus manufacturer, has teamed up with Exponent Energy to introduce a groundbreaking electric bus capable of rapid 15-minute charging. The 'Veera Mahasamrat EV,' powered by Exponent, is the world's first 13.5m electric bus on two axles. It features Exponent's 320 kWh battery pack, which allows for virtually unlimited range with quick charging through Exponent's 1MW charging network.

Focus on Long-Haul Routes

The collaboration aims to revolutionise long-haul intercity travel by making it feasible for electric buses to operate on these routes without concerns about range or lengthy charging times. Initially, the focus will be on electrifying the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route. To support this, Exponent Energy plans to install four 1 MW charging stations—two at each endpoint and two along the highway—ensuring seamless operations for bus operators.

Rapid-Charging Intercity EV Bus Unveiled

The Veera Mahasamrat EV offers significant cost savings for fleet owners, reducing operating expenses by 30% compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses. This innovative solution mimics the experience of diesel buses, which typically stop every 300 km for a 15-20 minute break. The rapid charging capability ensures that electric buses can now match this routine, making the transition to electric more appealing.

K. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director of Veera Vahana, highlighted the challenges faced by current electric buses: "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!"

Advanced Battery Management

The technology behind this innovation includes a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS), advanced charging algorithms, and a proprietary off-board thermal management system. This system actively pumps coolant into the battery during charging to maintain optimal temperature, ensuring consistent performance even in ambient temperatures as high as 50°C.

Arun Vinayak, Co-founder & CEO of Exponent Energy, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: "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 1 MW 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."

Both companies are dedicated to advancing electric vehicle technology and transforming mobility through their collaborative efforts. Their commitment is evident in their pioneering work in developing rapid-charging infrastructure and enhancing battery performance.

The Veera Mahasamrat EV also comes with an impressive battery warranty covering either 6,00,000 km or 3000 life cycles. This extensive warranty facilitates better financing options and simplifies ownership for fleet operators.

As leaders in their respective fields within the EV sector, Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy continue to drive progress through innovation and strategic partnerships. Their joint efforts aim not only at improving operational efficiency but also at contributing significantly towards sustainable transportation solutions.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in making long-haul intercity travel more sustainable and efficient through cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.

Article Published On: Thursday, August 29, 2024, 16:00 [IST]
Read more on: #india #electric vehicles
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