Fresh Bus and Exponent Energy partner to deploy rapid-charging electric intercity buses

Fresh Bus, an electric intercity bus operator, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based Exponent Energy to deploy rapid-charging electric buses for long-distance intercity travel in India.

Under the agreement, Fresh Bus plans to deploy up to 250 electric buses supported by Exponent Energy’s rapid-charging platform and up to 1.5 MW charging infrastructure. The first phase of operations is expected to begin on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route, with plans for expansion to other intercity corridors.

The partnership focuses on enabling long-haul electric bus operations through en-route rapid charging. According to the companies, the charging system allows buses to recharge in approximately 15 minutes at intervals of around 300 km, reducing dependence on larger battery packs and enabling quicker turnaround times. This approach is intended to improve fleet utilisation and support longer routes, including trips extending beyond 1,000 km, using multiple charging stops.

Fresh Bus stated that the collaboration aims to address operational challenges traditionally associated with electric intercity buses, such as charging duration and range constraints. Exponent Energy is providing charging hardware and technology developed in India, including battery packs, charging stations, and connectors designed for high-power charging.

Sudhakar Chirra, Founder and CEO of Fresh Bus, said “This is a systems-level solution built for real-world intercity operations. Fast charging is inherently more efficient than simply adding oversized batteries. After two years of close collaboration and rigorous joint engineering with Exponent Energy, we’re ready to deploy at scale. We are not merely adopting EVs; we are co-designing a new paradigm for intercity travel that is faster, more reliable, and ultimately, more passenger-centric, directly addressing the myth that electric buses cannot reliably conquer India’s vast intercity network.”

Arun Vinayak, Founder & CEO of Exponent Energy stated, “Rapid charging truly unlocks the opportunity to replace diesel buses with EVs on long-haul routes. A 15-minute quick charge every 300 km during highway pitstops allows for diesel vehicle-like operations with all the benefits of EVs to the fleet operator, the passengers and the climate. We are proud to have developed the entire 1.5MW charging capability and rapid charging technology in India and we are pleased to be working with Fresh Bus to co-design the ecosystem. Together, we’re putting India in pole position when it comes to long-haul electrification globally.”

Fresh Bus has stated a long-term objective of operating up to 10,000 electric buses and targeting 10 percent of India’s intercity bus market. The company said this partnership is a step toward that objective.

Also read: Understanding the dynamics of running an intercity electric bus fleet