ABB’s flash charging technology goes live

Charging an electric bus in seconds has become a reality in Geneva, where the first two of twelve articulated coaches have taken up service. They charge at ABB’s ultra high speed overhead chargers.

The electric buses Geneva’s public transport operator TPG and Swiss bus manufacturer HESS have developed a year ago are one of a kind. Not only are the vehicles articulated but they also charge via flash-charging technology.

A laser-controlled arm enables opportunity charging at 600 kW in less than 20 seconds and ABB says it takes less than a second to connect the bus to the overhead charging-contact that can be found at thirteen selected stops in the Swiss town. The order was worth 16 million dollars to the Swiss company that operates in more than 100 countries.

At 18m length, the buses can carry up to 133 passengers and are now serving on route 23 that connects Geneva Airport with the city.

blick.ch (in German but with illustrative video), new.abb.com