New Technology Charges Electric Buses in 15 Seconds

ABB Group, a global leader in power and automation technologies, has developed a new high-capacity, flash charging device that will allow cable-less electric busses and trams to travel around busy cities for the first time ever.

The idea is to install ‘flash stations’ along the route of the bus which will be able to quickly charge the bus with electricity from the grid. The stations charging system will connect to the roof of the bus via a laser guided moving arm and will require just 15 seconds to charge the bus’s capacitor, short enough that the bus will be able to remain on schedule. The system will completely do away with the traditional overhead lines and trolley poles.

Claes Rytoft, the acting Chief Technology Officer, explained that “through flash charging, we are able to pilot a new generation of electric buses for urban mass transport that no longer relies on overhead lines. This project will pave the way for switching to more flexible, cost-effective, public transport infrastructure while reducing pollution and noise.”

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The flash charging system was designed for heavily travelled bus routes in urban areas where traditionally electric public transport has been impossible due to concerns about the overhead wires.

The new technology will be first deployed on the route between Geneva’s airport and the international exhibition centre in Palexpo, a heavily travelled route which uses a large capacity bus of around 135 passengers. This first project is being supported by the International Association of Public Transport, and SIG, a local power utility.

Article sourced from Forbes.

By. Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com