Advanced Electric Bus Charging Solutions from Vital EV

Vital EV is a leading provider of advanced electric bus charging solutions for public transportation. Our team of experts specialises in the development and implementation of efficient and reliable charging technology for electric buses.

We offer a range of charging solutions including pantograph charging, which allows for charging while the bus is in motion, opportunity charging, which allows for charging during short stops, and depot charging, which allows for charging at the end of a bus route. Our technology is designed to improve the performance of your bus fleet and reduce emissions.

Electric Bus Charging options

At Vital EV, we understand the importance of providing reliable and efficient public transportation. That’s why we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge electric bus charging technology that meets the needs of our customers. Contact us today to learn more about how our electric bus charging solutions can benefit your transportation system.

We offer several different options for electric bus charging, including installation. We also provide maintenance and service options for your EV chargers.

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Pantograph Charging

Pantograph charging is a type of overhead charging system that allows electric buses to charge while they are in motion. This technology can greatly improve the performance of your bus fleet by reducing downtime and increasing range.

A pantograph device is attached to the roof of the EV and a charging point on the ground. The pantograph links with the charging point and starts charging the EV battery without the need to stop at a charging station, making it a more efficient method of charging EVs, particularly on roads with pantograph charging infrastructure.

This method needs a pantograph infrastructure on the roads to work but is becoming a popular way to charge electric buses in London as it reduces the downtime of the bus, therefore, reducing the overall number of buses in a fleet.

Opportunity Charging

Opportunity charging allows for charging during short stops, such as at bus stops or terminals, to ensure that buses can travel further each day. This technology can be integrated into the existing infrastructure of public transport routes.

Opportunity charging refers to the practice of charging electric vehicles (EVs), specifically buses, at intermediate points during their route, rather than at a single central charging station. This type of charging provides the opportunity to extend the range of the bus and minimise downtime, which can be especially beneficial for EV bus fleets that operate on long or continuous routes.

Opportunity charging can be achieved using various charging systems, including overhead pantograph chargers, floor-mounted chargers, or plug-in chargers like the station charger at bus stops or terminals. The charging time and power delivery rate depend on the charging system used, but most opportunity charging systems are designed to provide a fast charge in a short time frame, typically between 10 and 30 minutes.

Advantages of opportunity charging for EV buses include:

• Increased bus uptime and reduced downtime, allowing for more frequent and reliable bus service
• Flexibility in route planning and operation, as the buses can recharge at various points along their route
• Reduced need for a central charging station and associated infrastructure
• Potential cost savings compared to diesel or other fossil fuel-powered buses

Overall, opportunity charging provides an attractive solution for EV bus operators looking to optimise their fleet performance and minimise the costs associated with charging.

Depot Charging

Depot charging allows for charging at the end of a bus route, ensuring that buses are fully charged and ready to go for the next day. This technology can be used at bus garages and other maintenance facilities.

Depot charging is a method of charging electric buses at a central location, typically the depot or garage where the buses are stored when not in service. This type of charging is typically done overnight or during other periods of low energy demand, allowing the buses to be fully charged and ready to operate when they are needed.

Depot charging can be accomplished using various charging systems, including slow AC chargers, fast DC chargers, or a combination of both. A Power Unit is great for a bus fleet depot as it has the capacity to charge multiple vehicles at the same time.

The charging system used will depend on the type of bus, its battery capacity, and the desired charging time. The charging rate can be controlled to ensure that the bus is charged in a timely manner without overloading the electrical grid.

Advantages of depot charging for EV buses include:

• Simplified charging infrastructure, as all charging is done at a single central location
• Cost-effective, as charging can be done during off-peak energy demand times
• Reduced stress on the electric grid, as charging can be spread out over time
• Increased safety, as charging can be done in a controlled and monitored environment

Overall, depot charging is a practical and cost-effective solution for EV bus operators, especially those with a small fleet size or limited charging infrastructure. By charging the buses at a central location, depot charging allows for easy management and control of the charging process, as well as reduced energy consumption and improved sustainability.

Frequently asked questions