At Prawaas 4.0, Veera Vahana Udyog Pvt. Ltd., a prominent player in the bus manufacturing sector, showcased its partnership with SUN Mobility by unveiling India’s first battery-swappable bus. This innovative solution is set to revolutionize the heavy electric vehicle market, with applications across all of Veera Vahana’s vehicle offerings.
K. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director of Veera Vahana, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “As one of the fastest-growing bus manufacturers in India, Veera Vahana has been setting new benchmarks in quality and innovation of transportation. We are proud to partner with world pioneers in battery swapping and leverage indigenous innovation and engineering potential to develop truly world-class electric mobility solutions.”
The swappable battery technology, developed in collaboration with SUN Mobility, offers a compact and light form factor that ensures higher payload-carrying capacities. It brings down the upfront cost of buses by 40%, matching the cost of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) buses, while reducing operational costs for fleet operators by up to 20%.
“SUN Mobility has revitalized heavy electric vehicles by overcoming major obstacles for bus operators, such as high entry costs and extended downtime from lengthy charging periods. Our partnership marks a significant milestone as we introduce India’s first modular swapping technology that will provide a practical and cost-effective solution for operators, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs,” said Ashok Agarwal, CEO – HEV, SUN Mobility.
This pioneering initiative aligns with SUN Mobility’s goal of cutting emissions, improving air quality, and boosting overall transportation efficiency. Chetan Maini, Co-Founder and Chairman of SUN Mobility, added, “We are thrilled to pioneer this alongside Veera Vahana and confident that it will unlock a multi-billion dollar opportunity for OEMs, fleet operators, and financiers, positioning India as a global leader in transportation electrification models.”
Following this breakthrough, Veera Vahana also unveiled the ‘Veera Mahasamrat EV,’ a groundbreaking long-haul intercity electric bus built on a two-axle platform. Equipped with Exponent Energy’s 320 kWh battery pack, this innovative 13.5-meter bus can be charged in just 15 minutes through Exponent’s robust 1MW charging network.
Arun Vinayak, Co-founder and CEO of Exponent Energy, emphasized the importance of this technology for electric bus travel, stating, “We’ve created a system that matches the operational experience of diesel buses, with stops every 300 kilometers for just 15 to 20 minutes. Operators can now transition from diesel to electric without any downtime issues while enjoying the benefits of electric savings and a cleaner environment.” He further elaborated, “This technology is not just about charging; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that enhances the overall efficiency of electric mobility.”
The Mahasamrat EV comes with a battery warranty of 600,000 kilometers or 3,000 battery life cycles, enhancing financing options and ownership ease for operators. Vinayak also noted, “We’re proud to be one of the three companies in the world capable of delivering a 1-megawatt charging solution. This technology maximizes uptime and efficiency with smaller, more manageable battery sizes.”
H.P. Mohan Kumar, Executive Director of Veera Vahana, reflected on the company’s evolution and the importance of their partnerships, stating, “Our collaboration with Exponent Energy is pivotal in driving the technology that will reshape long-distance travel. By integrating advanced charging solutions with our electric buses, we are making significant strides towards a sustainable future in public transport.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced during the pandemic, noting, “The economy is driven by the automobile sector; when it booms, it is the last to recover and the first to be hit during downturns.” He expressed optimism about future growth, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation: “Unless you move with the technology, it will be very difficult to sustain in the industry.”
With its bold innovations and strategic partnerships, Veera Vahana is not just driving the future of electric mobility—it’s setting the pace for the entire bus industry in India. As the company forges ahead with groundbreaking technologies and sustainable solutions, it is poised to lead the charge in transforming public transportation, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more efficient tomorrow.