ABB Launches Fast Charging Robot

ABB announced today the launch of an automated fast charging system which can remove one of the main barriers to increased urban electric bus adoption – long charging times for short driving ranges.

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’s fast-charging system is a practical solution built on international standards (e.g. IEC 61851-23), assuring safety, regulatory compliance and wide automotive industry support. These ingredients allow the solution to work safely in any bus line and with any electric bus with the correct rooftop interface.

The first public project using this technology will be the integration of Volvo busses and four ABB automatic e-bus chargers into existing lines of the Luxembourg public transport system, where as many as 6 Volvo Electric Hybrid buses will be running on existing lines by 2016. Volvo’s new electric hybrid bus can reduce fuel consumption by 75 percent compared to conventional diesel buses, which improves sustainability performance as well as lowering operating costs.

“Mature and emerging markets alike are making substantial urban e-mobility investments to reduce congestion and the environmental burden of many more commuters,” said Pekka Tiitinen, President of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division. “ABB’s Next Level growth strategy is built around opportunities in such rapidly expanding markets, supported by a strong technology and service portfolio.”

ABB’s automated fast-charging solution is based on the ‘pantograph’ - a proven mechanical concept for linking power supplies to trains, trams and buses. When a bus arrives at the charging stop, wireless communication will be established between bus and charger and a special inverted pantograph will come down automatically. When all safety checks are performed, the system will provide the bus with a powerful fast recharge.

The modular design, offering charging power of 150 kW, 300 kW or 450 kW, provides any city bus with enough energy in only a few minutes to run its inner-city route continuously throughout the whole day.

In addition to reliable charging solutions, high frequency urban bus lines also depend on maximum availability and fast service response. ABB offers a suite of proven connectivity features such as remote diagnostics, remote management and over-the-air software upgradeability. With over 3,000 web-connected DC fast chargers installed globally ABB has proven that its suite of connectivity features enable industry leading uptimes and fast service response, anywhere in the world.