Fresh Bus and Exponent Energy collaborate to launch rapid-charging electric buses for intercity travel.

Fresh Bus, which is an intercity bus operator, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Bengaluru-based Exponent Energy in order to deploy fast-charging electric buses specifically for intercity travel across the country. 

This agreement states that Fresh Bus will be deploying up to 250 electric buses which will support Exponent Energy’s rapid charging platform, with charging speeds of up to 1.5 MW charging infrastructure. The first phase will start on the Hyderabad-Pune route, with plans for expanding it to other intercity routes.

According to companies, the rapid charging system will ensure 15 minutes of uninterrupted charging activity at intervals of around every 300 Km, which will reduce the load on larger battery packs and enable quicker turnaround times.

This approach will enhance fleet utilisation and support longer routes, also including trips which will be more than 1,000 Km by using multiple charging stops. 

According to Fresh Bus, this partnership will provide various solutions to these operational problems associated with electric intercity buses, such as charging duration and range anxieties with long distances. 

On the other hand, Exponent Energy will be supporting charging hardware and technology developed within the country which comprises battery packs, charging stations, and connectors specifically designed for high-power charging.