Fresh Bus and Exponent Energy Partner to Deploy Rapid-Charging Electric Intercity Buses in India

Key Highlights

• MoU signed to deploy rapid-charging electric intercity buses.

• Up to 250 electric buses are planned in the initial phase.

• 15-minute charging after every 300 km enables long routes.

• Hyderabad–Bengaluru route to start first operations.

• Target to scale up to 10,000 electric buses long term.

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 across India. This partnership aims to make electric buses more practical and reliable for long routes by solving key challenges related to charging time and driving range.

Up to 250 Rapid-Charging Electric Buses Planned

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

Focus on Long-Haul Operations With Fast En-Route Charging

The partnership is focused on enabling long-haul electric bus operations using en-route rapid charging. According to the companies, the charging system allows buses to recharge in about 15 minutes at intervals of nearly 300 km. This reduces the need for large battery packs and helps achieve faster turnaround times. With multiple charging stops, the system can support intercity journeys extending beyond 1,000 km.

Made-in-India High-Power Charging Technology

Exponent Energy will provide the charging hardware and technology developed in India. This includes battery packs, charging stations, and connectors designed for high-power charging. The rapid-charging approach is expected to improve fleet utilisation and make electric buses more suitable for demanding intercity operations.

Industry Leaders Share Their Views

Sudhakar Chirra, Founder and CEO of Fresh Bus, said the collaboration is designed for real-world intercity operations. He stated that fast charging is more efficient than using oversized batteries and added that after two years of close collaboration and joint engineering with Exponent Energy, the company is ready to deploy at scale. He also highlighted that the initiative aims to prove electric buses can reliably serve India’s vast intercity network while offering a more passenger-centric travel experience.

Arun Vinayak, Founder and CEO of Exponent Energy, said rapid charging creates a real opportunity to replace diesel buses on long-haul routes. He explained that a 15-minute charge every 300 km allows operations similar to diesel buses while delivering benefits for operators, passengers, and the environment. He also noted that the 1.5 MW charging capability has been fully developed in India and that the partnership positions India strongly in global long-haul electrification.

Long-Term Vision for Intercity Electric Mobility

Fresh Bus has shared its long-term goal of operating up to 10,000 electric buses and capturing around 10 percent of India’s intercity bus market. The company said this partnership with Exponent Energy is an important step toward achieving that vision and accelerating the adoption of electric mobility in intercity travel.

Also Read: GreenCell Mobility Secures $89 Million to Rapidly Expand Electric Bus Network Across India

CMV360 Says

The partnership between Fresh Bus and Exponent Energy marks a major step toward making electric intercity travel practical in India. With rapid charging technology, high-power infrastructure, and a clear long-term vision, the collaboration aims to overcome range and charging challenges. This initiative supports cleaner mobility, better fleet efficiency, and passenger-friendly operations, while strengthening India’s position in long-haul electric transportation.