This article first appeared in the Bus-News magazine, Issue 2 2022.
What type and brand of electric bus to choose is key when moving away from internal combustion power.
The bus fleet must meet criteria of autonomy, comfort and ergonomics that can be adapted as required to suit future requirements.
It is therefore relevant to include in this reflection charging station suppliers. Here’s what you need to know:
In most cases, electric buses are charged at the depot. However, if that isn’t sufficient to maintain vehicle autonomy, other solutions outside the depot can be considered.
Depot Charging
When not in service, buses return to the depot. This might be a short stop to complete battery charging (often during the day) or a longer break to allow a full recharge (usually at night).
The depot can be equipped with charging systems in the form of terminals or a gantry.
Charging Stations
During long breaks, buses can be recharged using an AC terminal (where the charger is carried on board). For more limited charging periods and where buses have high-capacity batteries, DC charging is preferred as it delivers more current and therefore energy in a limited time.
DC chargers can charge one or two buses simultaneously. In this case, the power is adapted and distributed according to the needs of each bus. If the pedestrian crossing near the bus is to be freed up, the power electronics can be housed in a cabinet and only the gun(s) will be made available to the driver on a dedicated stand. These are the notions of proxi (proximity) or remote charging.
Gantry Charging
In this case, the gantry carries devices that connect to the roof of a bus.
Use the form opposite to get in touch with Comeca Group directly to discuss any requirements you might have.