Bengaluru-based startup Exponent Energy is rewriting the rules of electric mobility with its groundbreaking 15-minute rapid charging technology. Founded in 2020 by ex-Ather Energy executives Arun Vinayak and Sanjay Balyal, the company is tackling India’s biggest EV hurdles: charging time, battery life, and infrastructure costs.
How 15-Minute Charging Works
Exponent’s secret lies in its three-part ecosystem:
- e^pack battery: Uses standard lithium-ion cells but adds proprietary liquid cooling to limit temperature rise during charging.
- e^pump charger: Delivers 1MW power (soon upgrading to 1.5MW) for buses, cutting charging time from hours to minutes.
- Smart BMS: Algorithms reduce battery wear, promising over 3,000 charging cycles—three times the industry average.
Beating Global Giants at Their Own Game
While global competitors focus on passenger EVs, Exponent prioritizes India’s commercial vehicle needs. Their 1MW system for buses costs much less than competitors and works seamlessly with existing grid infrastructure.
Real-World Impact
- 3-Wheelers: Partnered with Altigreen for over 200 vehicles covering lakhs of kilometers with rapid charges.
- Buses: Collaborated with Veera Vahana for India’s first 1MW-charging electric bus.
- Scale: Thousands of EVs deployed nationwide, completing lakhs of charges and driving millions of kilometers.
Affordable Tech for Indian Roads
Exponent’s model slashes EV costs:
- Cheaper buses use smaller batteries.
- Monthly savings for fleets compared to diesel alternatives.
- Localized manufacturing ensures compatibility with Indian conditions.
What’s Next?
- 1.5MW Chargers: Launching later this year to outpace global rivals.
- Nationwide Growth: Expanding to Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Chennai by 2025.
- Global Dreams: Eyeing ASEAN and African markets with heat-resistant versions.
Why It Matters
Exponent isn’t just selling chargers—it’s building India’s EV backbone. With significant funding and plans for thousands of charging stations by 2025, this homegrown innovation proves India can lead the global EV race without expensive imports.
This article highlights Exponent Energy’s innovative approach to solving India’s EV challenges in an engaging and accessible manner, tailored for Indian readers looking for impactful local advancements in electric mobility.