ABB and Nova Bus to Create Electric Bus Charger System in North America

February 10, 2017

ABB and Nova Bus, a division of Volvo Buses, are now working together to deliver the first ABB electric bus opportunity charging system in North America.

The order from Nova Bus comprises one complete 300 kW modular common interface charging system with inverted pantograph technology and commissioning from the new ABB Campus in Montreal.

“Transportation can be one of the biggest contributors to climate change,” explains Derek Monk, General Manager, ABB in Canada. “Supporting Nova Bus with ABB’s innovative charging solution will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Volvo Buses. It represents a major step in the advancement of electric buses in public transit in North America, and it will be the first ABB electric bus opportunity charging station in the Americas.”

The ABB DC fast charger and associated systems are based on a common interface, which allows charging stations and electrified buses from different manufacturers to be used together and takes only three to four minutes to charge the batteries at a charging station. Electric bus systems based on the OppCharge interface are already being implemented in more than 12 countries.

“This sign of confidence from Nova Bus is reinforcing ABB’s commitment to sustainable mobility and is fully aligned with our recent announcement to establish our North American Centre for Excellence for e-Mobility in the new ABB Campus in Montreal,” explains Daniel Simounet, Vice-President of transportation sector, ABB Americas. Last month ABB announced a $90 million investment in a new headquarters and research and development centre in Montreal.

“We are now looking at widespread innovation in cooperation with local and regional partners in order to accelerate the deployment of energy efficient electrification infrastructure for electrical cars, buses and trains,” says Simounet.

Since 2010, ABB has sold approximately 5,000 fast chargers around the world for passenger cars and electric buses. Using technology that comprises cloud-based remote monitoring and control as well as program upgrades via Internet guarantees quick response times and a high degree of availability.

Find out more: http://new.abb.com/ev-charging.