ABB, the power and automation firm, announced their partnership with Volvo Buses for a joint development and commercialization of electric as well as hybrid buses to be enabled with DC charging systems.
The first joint project is scheduled for Luxembourg public transport system in 2015, where Volvo Electric Hybrid buses and ABB’s automatic e-bus chargers will be implemented for 12 Volvo buses operated by Sales-Lentz.
Through this cooperation, a standardized fast- charging system for electric and electric hybrid buses can be achieved using an automatic roof-top charging connection provided at bus stops or via cabled charging facility overnight.
The development ensures a quick solution for urban e-mobility, as the technology is based on international standards and enables rapid charging facility.
Together, ABB and Volvo will invest their expertise in power grids and e-buses for the development of fast-charge technology standards. Recently accepted, DC fast charging standards used in cars will be the basis for electric bus-charging standards, ensuring safety and clean mobility.
Pekka Tiitinen, head, Discrete Automation and Motion Division, ABB, explained, “We are pleased to partner with Volvo that work in line with ABB’s commitment of power and productivity . Urbanization is stretching transport infrastructure of cities around the world and this collaboration will support sustainable and cost-efficient transportation solutions to meet rising commuter demand.”
Håkan Agnevall, president, Volvo Buses, commented, “Together, we have a complete and competitive offer to cities around the world that want to switch to a sustainable public transport system. Electric hybrid buses and full-electric buses aretomorrow’s solution for urban public transport.”
The partnership is focused on standardization of automatic e-bus fast charging facility that include the communications protocol between the infrastructure charging solution and e-bus, the electrical interface and specifications for the rooftop automatic connection system (ACS).
So far, Volvo Buses have delivered 1,600 hybrids to 21 countries and their fully electric bus will be launched in June 2015. Volvo has introduced new range of Electric Hybrid bus, which consumes 75 percent less fuel compared to conventional diesel buses. ABB has delivered 1,500 DC fast charging systems for passenger vehicles worldwide since 2010.