Pantograph opportunity charging via roof-mounted rails for the Enviro400EV double-decker is one of the additional charging options that have been introduced by manufacturers BYD and Alexander Dennis (ADL) to their joint battery-electric bus range.
The rails will connect to pantographs that are built to the international OppCharge standard. BYD’s Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) will also be installed. It can deliver a peak charging power of over 300kW via the pantograph method, which can also be used at lower ratings in depots if plug charger installation is constrained.
BTMS is a liquid-cooled, emission-free technology that is designed to maintain an optimum battery temperature and thus maximum vehicle efficiency, the two manufacturers say.
In a parallel development that they add will improve the flexibility of their joint battery-electric models, both the Enviro400EV and the Enviro200EV single-decker can now be optionally specified with provision for both AC and DC charging on the same vehicle. Buyers can choose from various installations of AC and/or DC sockets on the nearside or the offside, subject to vehicle type.
Both models are fitted with dual AC sockets as standard. The DC option gives a higher charging power through a single connection. On the Enviro200EV batteries can be charged at up to 102kW and on the Enviro400EV at up to 112kW, compared to a maximum of 80kW for both vehicle types under AC charging.
Says ADL President and Managing Director Paul Davies: “We pride ourselves on innovation and customer focus, and we understand that operators require additional flexibility to facilitate the transition to zero-emission. That is why we are adding DC charging and pantograph solutions to our electric buses.”
Adds BYD UK MD Frank Thorpe: “This development underlines BYD’s word-renowned expertise in battery technology and energy management, in addition to its battery-electric vehicle manufacturing capacity.
“Working in partnership with operators has allowed us to develop solutions that benefit customers on the road and at the depot. These close relationships are helping to bring clean, sustainable public transport to more people in towns and cities across the UK.”
The first BYD ADL buses with DC sockets and roof-mounted pantograph charging rails will be delivered in the spring and summer.
