With fuel prices on the rise and without a singular hint of letting down; it is a welcome change to observe increasingly novel and almost revolutionary improvements to alternate energy powering our transportation needs. The Swedes seem to be leading the way with their new hybrid bus charging concept. This new hybrid bus charging concept for buses from Opbrid gives them the capability of overhead charging, and to operate for up to 18 hours without switching over to a diesel engine.
The new Hybrid bus charging concept has been released in the northern city of Umea, Sweden by a company called Opbrid. It combines the dual advantages of eco-friendliness with the long-range capacity of a traditional diesel bus. Opbrid uses the rapid charging technology for electric cars developed by Epyon power company and has applied it to the bus.
Typically, a car charging station is chargeable by a handheld device from what looks like a typical pumping station. However, a much bigger charger is needed for a bus. This why Opbrid has come up with a really snazzy idea of putting a horizontal bar that is cleverly named the Opbrid busbaar charging station. The bus has to park under the charging station. A horizontal bar then swings and places itself on top of the bus. Extensions from the bus top emerge and make contact with this bar and the charging commences. What is unique about the whole system is that the charging process for the entire process is over in not more than five minutes!
The relatively short charging times even for something as massive as a bus is made possible thanks to the revolutionary improvements in electric batteries that make it possible for them to receive and store large amounts of energy in relatively short periods of time. A 15-20 kilometre bus trip could only need a five minute charge which is roughly the time needed for passengers to embark or disembark during a brief stopover. You wouldn’t even know! Most inter city bus routes in Europe can take advantage of these buses and charging concept since the distance between stops is relatively short. The traditional charge-up plug at night is still available. A recent example of a hybrid bus is the “Arctic Whisper”.
The fast charging concept would mean that once installed, every hybrid bus can opt for a minimal usage of it’s diesel alternative. Electric power for buses is a dream come true for the environment and to the driver. It makes less noise and does not pollute. The driver experiences a more smooth driving experience without the hassle of shifting gears. It is hoped that more and more bus companies would consider going for the Opbrid rapid charging busbar charging system and realize the long term cost savings inspite of an initial investment. The beauty of the city also takes on an improvement as there are no overhead wires. Future, here we come!
Check out the video where everything has been clearly explained:
Via: Autoblog
