Swiss power and automation group ABB has announced a partnership with Volvo Buses to co-develop and commercialize electric and hybrid buses with open standards-based DC fast charging systems.

The partners will develop a standardized system that can charge electric and hybrid buses quickly through an automatic roof-top connection system at bus stops, or through cabled charging systems overnight. The first joint project will be implemented in Luxembourg, where as many as 12 Volvo hybrid buses will be running on existing lines by 2015.

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ABB and Volvo will contribute their respective expertise in power grids and e-buses to further develop fast charging standards, including the communications protocol between the infrastructure and the bus, the electrical interface and the rooftop automatic connection system.

According to the companies, their charging standard will be largely based on the recently adopted global CCS DC fast charging standards for passenger cars that is used by most of the European automakers.

“Urbanization is at a historic high and is stretching transport infrastructure of cities around the world” said Pekka Tiitinen, head of ABB’s Discrete Automation and Motion division. “Our collaboration will help support sustainable and cost-efficient transportation solutions to meet rising commuter demand.”

“Together, we have a complete and competitive offer to cities around the world that want to switch to a sustainable public transport system,” said Håkan Agnevall, President of Volvo Buses. “Electric hybrid buses and full-electric buses are tomorrow’s solution for urban public transport.”

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Volvo Buses launched its first hybrid bus in 2009 and has delivered nearly 1,600 units so far. Its first fully electric bus is to be launched in June 2015 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Source: ABB, Volvo Buses