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

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.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Save the Date: Ontario Apprenticeship Summit 2026 – November 4, 2026

    Save the Date: Ontario Apprenticeship Summit 2026 – November 4, 2026

    July 6, 2026 Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is pleased to announce that the third annual Ontario Apprenticeship Summit will take place during National Skilled Trades and Technology Week. Industry partners, skilled trades professionals, and apprentices are invited to attend the Toronto Congress Centre on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The Ontario Apprenticeship Summit 2026 is focused… Read More…

  • Fort McMurray Apprentice Electrician to Represent Canada at Skilled Canada National Competition

    Fort McMurray Apprentice Electrician to Represent Canada at Skilled Canada National Competition

    July 6, 2026 In recognition of World Youth Skills Day, which underscores the vital role of skills development among young people, Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) is proud to officially announce the 31 talented members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2026.These young competitors will begin their training to prepare for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, in Shanghai, China, which will be held… Read More…

  • Westburne Celebrates 100 Years with Brandon Trade Show

    Westburne Celebrates 100 Years with Brandon Trade Show

    July 6, 2026 Recently, Westburne hosted over 200 guests and over 60 partners and suppliers at their Brandon Trade Show to celebrate 100 years of Westburne. “Westburne’s annual Midwest Tradeshow welcomed more than 220 attendees in Brandon this year, including representatives from over 60 partner businesses and suppliers. Taking place annually for over 15 years,… Read More…

  • B.C. Expands Energy Efficiency Program to Provide No-Cost Retrofits to Homeowners, Tenants

    B.C. Expands Energy Efficiency Program to Provide No-Cost Retrofits to Homeowners, Tenants

    July 3, 2026 Together with BC Hydro, FortisBC and Natural Resources Canada, the Province is supporting families with lower incomes to save money on their utility costs through home-energy improvements.  “We are taking action to help people lower their utility bills by expanding our home energy-efficiency programming for lower-income families,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister… Read More…