As more European cities begin trials of battery-electric buses, a group of bus manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers has agreed to develop voluntary charging standards in advance of official regulations. The objective is to ensure reliability and compatibility across bus brands and charging systems.

The European body CEN-CENELEC and the international standards organization ISO/IEC are currently working on charging standards. European standards are expected to take effect in 2019 and international standards in 2020. However, many cities are already deploying electric bus systems.

In order to meet the needs of these cities, European bus manufacturers Irizar, Solaris, VDL and Volvo, together with charging system suppliers ABB, Heliox and Siemens, have agreed to open up common, preferred interfaces for all market participants.

The group is committed to contributing to European standardization activities and to sharing experiences with CEN/CENELEC and ISO/IEC to establish a common European standard.

For opportunity charging, the system includes wireless communication, contacting plates and equipment that automatically contact vehicles with a pantograph. For overnight charging, the existing CCS fast charging standard for cars will be used as a basis for plugs and for communication.

Source: Heliox Automotive