Opportunity charging

Battery electric buses require well-planned charging infrastructure for efficient operation. Depot charging, commonly referred to as overnight charging, typically uses plug-in chargers and is the basic solution. However, to improve fleet efficiency, a second type of charging is also used – off-depot charging, known as opportunity charging. 

Opportunity charging is a method of charging electric buses during short breaks in regular operations, without the need to return to the depot for extended periods. It typically takes place at terminal stops, loop stations, or other locations along the route where the bus pauses during service. This type of charging is time-limited and usually lasts for several minutes. As a result, DC fast chargers are typically used, as they allow for rapid delivery of high power in a short time. Pantograph chargers are highly efficient and typically offer charging power from 150 kW to 600 kW. 

Thanks to opportunity charging, buses can maintain a full range throughout the day, avoiding the need for longer stops and service interruptions. The charging system becomes more flexible and tailored to real operational needs. 

Read more about the charging power of electric vehicles HERE.