To achieve the Dutch target of 95% emission reduction by 2050, ABB will install more than 100 high-performance fast chargers for the Qbuzz fleet of 99 fully electric city buses. To achieve this emission reduction target, all new city buses must be emission-free by 2025.

A smart charging infrastructure ensures that larger fleets can charge electric buses cost-effectively at night and on the road. This means that transport is completely emission-free during the day. In the Northern Netherlands, within the Groningen / Drenthe concession, 62 '100kW high-voltage charging stations' will be installed, spread over the Qbuzz depots in Emmen, Appingedam, Stadskanaal, Oude Pekela, Zoutkamp, ​​Surhuisterveen and Assen. In addition, 38 'Terra 54 50 kW' fast charging stations with a voltage capacity of 150-920 V have been realized within the DMG Dordrecht concession.

Six 'HVC-300 Pantograph Down (300PD) Smart Charging Systems' are also installed to recharge on the go as needed. These chargers are placed in the region around Dordrecht (Drechtsteden, Alblasserwaard and Vijfheerenlanden). The powerful 300PD charger provides 300kW of electricity and charges the bus in three to six minutes, depending on the amount of electricity required to complete the route. 

It works with 'Opportunity Charging', a concept where electric buses charge direct current using a bus-mounted pantograph. In this way, buses have enough power at the end of the route, without charging having an impact on performance.

According to Frank Muehlon, manager global business E-Mobility Infrastructure Solutions at ABB, the quality, reliability and connectivity of these types of solutions are essential. 

"We have our own 'Mission to Zero' and are happy to contribute to a more sustainable future for both industry and the community." “We are happy to work on these leading projects together with Qbuzz. The installation of powerful fast chargers ensures fast and efficient charging at night. In this way, we help to achieve the 'zero emission target' for public transport and we can show other countries that these kinds of solutions really work. ”

In order to ensure 24-hour availability of the charging infrastructure, the systems work together with the services connected via ABB Ability ™. The employees of the e-mobility charging network can remotely diagnose and upgrade, make payments and monitor energy management, while ensuring the safety and availability of the charging service. This minimizes downtime and keeps operating costs low.

“As an ambitious and innovative player in the regional mobility market, we were looking for a partner with the same institution to realize our ambitions in the field of sustainable transport,” says Tim van Twuijver, Sustainability Project Manager at Qbuzz. 

“As the demand for electric vehicles grows, the 50kW charging system gives Qbuzz the opportunity to charge private cars, in addition to normal activities. With these systems, the service can be extended at the right time. This is how we shape the future mobility of both public and private transport. ” said Muehlon.

Also read: Dash cams in Qbuzz buses in Drenthe and Groningen