ABB is trialling a rapid charge system for electric buses that provides a 15-second charge as the bus stops at passenger stops.
Called the TOSA, or Trolleybus Optimisation Système Alimentation, it uses overhead chargers at bus stops that connect via a laser-guided moveable arm with roof-mounted charging equipment to provide the quick hits of power to the bus.
Onboard batteries can be charged in 15 seconds with a 400 kW boost at selected stops, along with regenerative braking to power the bus. At the end of the bus route a three to four minute boost fully recharges the batteries.
The system is on trial in Geneva between the airport and the city’s international exhibition centre.
