Charging Infrastructure

Pantograph charging is a method of charging electric buses in depots or at specific charging stations through an inverted pantograph that is mounted on a gantry or mast. In a depot setting, buses are parked under overhead charging stations with a pantograph mounted on a rigid arm. The pantograph is lowered on to the bus's roof-mounted charging receiver, allowing for a fast and efficient charging process. Alternatively, pantograph charging can also be used as opportunity charging along a route, with the charging stations installed at bus stops or other key locations where buses can briefly stop and recharge. This section features suppliers who manufacture pantograph charging systems or components for these systems.

Plug-in chargers for buses are a type of electric vehicle charging infrastructure that require a physical connection between the charging station and the bus. These chargers are similar to the ones used for conventional electric cars and rely on a plug-in cable that connects to a charging port on the bus. Typically, plug-in chargers are used in depots or at specific charging stations, and they offer a reliable and convenient method of charging electric buses. They require the bus to be parked and physically connected to the charging station.

Wireless or induction charging is a method of charging electric buses without the need for a physical connection to a charging station. This technology uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy from a charging pad installed on the ground to a receiving pad mounted on the underside of the bus. This allows for easy and convenient charging, as buses can be charged while stationary or even while in motion. Wireless charging offers many benefits to bus operators, including reduced downtime for charging, increased operational efficiency and improved passenger experience.