Flash-charging e-buses soon to run in Geneva

Transports Publics Genevois has awarded a $16 million contract to ABB to provide flash charging and on-board electric vehicle technology for 12 TOSA (Trolleybus Optimisation Système Alimentation) buses.

Photo source: ABB

The innovative technology allows buses to connect to the charging point in less than 1 second and to charge with a 600-kilowatt boost of power in only 15 seconds at the bus stop. At the end of the line, the electric buses can be fully recharged in about five minutes via the flash chargers. ABB will deliver and deploy 13 flash-charging stations on a line linking Geneva’s suburbs to the airport, as well as three terminals and four depot feeding stations.

The e-buses are expected to be fully deployed by 2018 and to serve over 10,000 people daily. The replacement of diesel buses with these new technology buses will also bring a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and noise.