HYDERABAD: Electric bus manufacturer Olectra Greentech Limited (OGL), part of Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), on Saturday rolled out its new e-bus models equipped with the innovative blade battery technology at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi.
The company showcased its new blade battery chassis, a redesigned 12-metre blade battery platform, and newly styled nine-metre city and 12-metre coach e-buses. The company said the blade battery, developed by its technology partner, Chinese automaker BYD, cleared rigorous tests, including nail penetration, overcharging, and furnace trials, without any fire or explosion.
“The blade battery is designed to withstand extreme climatic conditions and is much safer even when severely damaged during accidents. It is 30% lighter than traditional LFP batteries and provides 30% more energy storage, enabling these buses to travel up to 500 km on a single charge. Its compact and lightweight design improves space efficiency and vehicle stability. With a lifespan of over 5,000 charge cycles, it is durable and reliable,” Olectra Greentech said.
According to the company, the blade battery is much cooler and more stable under stress compared to LFP batteries as it has very slow heat generation, low heat release, and non-oxygen release. It is also more compact, increasing space utilisation in the battery pack by over 50% compared to traditional battery packs, and can be packaged in the bus floor. By avoiding roof-mounted batteries, vehicle stability increases due to a lower centre of gravity.
Olectra Greentech Chairman and Managing Director KV Pradeep said that even as the company has adopted the blade battery technology, it is looking for newer ways to improve, innovate, and push the boundaries of what is possible in the electric mobility industry. “Our focus continues on increasing our manufacturing and enhancing our technology capabilities,” he said.
Olectra, which secured the world’s largest electric bus order for 5,150 buses from MSRTC, Maharashtra, also makes electric tippers that are used in industries like construction, roadwork, and mining. The company’s buses, which are manufactured at its facility in Hyderabad, are currently operational in 10 states and one Union territory.
