ChargePoint unveils cutting-edge pantograph for electric bus fleet charging
23/11/2023
ChargePoint, the EV charging solutions provider, has added a pantograph option for its 500 kW DC ChargePoint Express Plus charging system.
The pantograph innovation addresses the unique charging needs of electric buses, allowing operators to charge vehicles on routes and within space-constrained depots that serve entire fleets. Functioning like a dynamic charging arm, the pantograph swiftly and efficiently transfers power from atop the bus. With scissor or telescoping formats and 100 pounds of spring force, it ensures uninterrupted charging even during loading or unloading.
ChargePoint's Express Plus system adopts a modular, scalable architecture, allowing transit agencies and site hosts to deploy what they need while retaining the ability to scale up as fleet demand grows. Offering up to 500 kW of scalable power, the system's software-driven capabilities include power allocation, management, and service planning for optimised cost efficiency.
Rich Mohr, SVP of Sales for the Americas at ChargePoint, said, “We believe the conversion of fleets to EVs remains inevitable, and we will continue developing innovative solutions to make the transition as seamless as possible for any equipment owner.”
The pantograph solution, funded in part by a grant from the California Energy Commission, enables seamless fast charging in tight parking formations. Express Plus systems with the pantograph dispenser provide flexibility for various bus fleet charging scenarios, including fast on-route charging and lower power charging for extended dwell times.
ChargePoint's comprehensive fleet charging portfolio, serving transit agencies across North America and Europe, includes AC Level 2 and DC Level 3 fast charging stations. Ranging from 12 kW to the 500 kW offered by the pantograph dispenser, these solutions are bolstered by ChargePoint's software, enhancing fleet operations and optimising asset performance for both vehicles and charging stations.
ChargePoint's Express Plus system adopts a modular, scalable architecture, allowing transit agencies and site hosts to deploy what they need while retaining the ability to scale up as fleet demand grows. Offering up to 500 kW of scalable power, the system's software-driven capabilities include power allocation, management, and service planning for optimised cost efficiency.
Rich Mohr, SVP of Sales for the Americas at ChargePoint, said, “We believe the conversion of fleets to EVs remains inevitable, and we will continue developing innovative solutions to make the transition as seamless as possible for any equipment owner.”
The pantograph solution, funded in part by a grant from the California Energy Commission, enables seamless fast charging in tight parking formations. Express Plus systems with the pantograph dispenser provide flexibility for various bus fleet charging scenarios, including fast on-route charging and lower power charging for extended dwell times.
ChargePoint's comprehensive fleet charging portfolio, serving transit agencies across North America and Europe, includes AC Level 2 and DC Level 3 fast charging stations. Ranging from 12 kW to the 500 kW offered by the pantograph dispenser, these solutions are bolstered by ChargePoint's software, enhancing fleet operations and optimising asset performance for both vehicles and charging stations.