ABB, a provider of power and automation technology, has announced the launch of an automated fast charging system that allows electric buses drive 24/7, while also enabling zero emission.
The new charging system is based on IEC 61851-23, the international standard for fast charging electric vehicles.
With its automated rooftop connection and a typical charge time of 4–6 minutes, the system can easily be integrated in existing bus lines by installing fast chargers at end points, terminals, depots and/or intermediate stops, ABB said.
The system is offered in 150 kW, 300 kW or 450 kW modules.
With this modular system, ABB aims to solve the key problems associated with large scale adoption of zero emission electric buses: long charging times and short driving range belong to the past.
Connectivity and remote management high uptime and fast service response are key for charging electric buses at high frequency bus lines, ABB says.
The IEC 61851-23 standard ensures the appropriate safety systems are in place, the electrical design is in accordance with regulations, and the systems architecture and working principle are supported by the wider automotive community in the future.
In a favorable industry response for the system, ABB in July 2014 announced partnership with Volvo bus to jointly market fast chargers and buses.
“We are very excited about this cooperation, as it clearly shows that the ABB automated fast charging solution helps cities and bus manufacturers to become successful in offering zero emission bus transport to the communities” said Urs Waelchli, general manager of ABB’s product group Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.
The automated fast charger will be offered with other related services from ABB including remote diagnostics, remote management and over-the-air software upgradeability.
ABB’s fast charging system will be shown to the public for the first time in Kortrijk, Belgium at the Busworld 2015 show.
Rajani Baburajan
editor@greentechlead.com