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Batteries and charging

Battery capacity, stability and safety are crucial factors for a successful implementation of electric buses. Operators preferably want to have to adapt the existing infrastructure as little as possible in the transition from diesel to electric buses. By having a broad range of battery packs the best pack can be put together for each user scenario. Desired range and maximum number of passengers are important starting points for determining the ideal pack. In putting together the battery pack we always make use of batteries with LFP technologies (lithium iron phosphate).

Ebusco battery technology

Batteries are an important part of our total solution. Our buses have high-quality, safe, durable batteries with LFP technology. This proven and extremely safe technology is used in the majority of electric buses. Unlike NMC batteries, LFP batteries are stable and well controllable. The increase in temperature is maximum 7 degrees per second, facilitating timely intervention where necessary. Another important advantage of LFP over NMC is sustainability, LFP batteries are made without the use of the scarce raw materials cobalt and nickel. Because  LFP batteries last longer, this technique results in a lower TCO. Developments in the area of battery technology are developing quickly. Ebusco focuses together with its partners on ongoing development and innovations in order to continuously improve the effectiveness of its battery pack.

Our expert Patrick Heuts gives a detailed explanation in this article

Battery warranty up to 10 years

Ebusco offers battery warranty for up to ten years. Depending on the wishes and requirements expressed, we discuss the best warranty with the customer. In doing so we look together at crucial aspects such as the number of kilometres, the load profile, the duration of the concession and the desired EOL capacity. Ebusco’s warranty can extend to 80% of remaining capacity, if that is required. We make an optimal proposition for each case, so that we relieve our customers of all concerns as regards batteries.

Because total control of batteries is a major factor in the TCO.

Charging

Ebusco is in favour of depot charging rather than opportunity charging (fast charging). With fast charging, the battery wears out more quickly, because you are carrying out more cycles and recharging the battery more often whilst it is not empty yet. Depot charging is more cost efficient and also requires no major modifications to the grid supply. With good planning most daily routes can be fully driven on the basis of night-time depot charging. Daytime charging during times when the bus is stationary for prolonged periods is also preferable to opportunity charging. Where opportunity charging is required, Ebusco can of course offer it.

Cooperation with one of the world’s biggest battery makers

Ebusco works with one of the world’s biggest battery makers, together with which we deliver batteries with a high energy-to-weight ratio. This also gives them a longer useful life and enables us to give battery warranties. Furthermore we have carried out extensive tests of chassis strength calculations. The combination of the latest battery technology and an optimal bus design therefore leads to extensive range and sufficient passenger capacity.

Battery cooling & heating

We cool our Ebusco batteries with air or water. Cooling with water is not necessary in Europe. Our system saves weight and therefore costs. Heating pads inside the battery packs are activated to keep the battery performance at the required level in cold conditions.

Some
advantages

Battery

Battery

  • LFP technology (Lithium, iron, phosphate)
  • Excellent production circumstances
  • Top class materials (manufacturer owns its own mines)
  • Peak energy density (150Wh/kg)
  • Capacity >350 kWh (optional >400 kWh) (our 12 meter buses) and >500 kWh (our 18 meter buses)
  • Cobalt-free
  • 80,000 km a year on one battery
  • Up to 450 km based on driving efficiency in city centre
More benefits
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Less benefits
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Charging

Charging

  • No visual pollution
  • No permits needed
  • Significantly lower costs
  • Less maintenance of charging infrastructure
  • Cheaper charging during off-peak hours at night
  • Reduced bus weight, leading to more passengers on board, lower consumption and less maintenance
  • No extra power needed in urban areas
More benefits
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Less benefits
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Bus driver charges Ebusco bus

Compact depot charger with one or two CCS Combo2 plugs

Ebusco has developed a very compact depot charger, which is scalable to different power levels up to 150 kW. The double-plug chargers can charge two buses at the same time. Thus one bus can be charged relatively quickly in the daytime (150 kW), while at night two buses can be charged (2 x 80 kW).

These new depot chargers have been operational since 2020, with Stadtwerke München and Borkum in Germany and Nobina in Denmark.

Ebusco applies the new CCS sockets to its buses that allow long charging with 240kW as opposed to opportunity charging which usually lasts about 10 minutes. In this way most Ebusco buses can be charged to 80% within one hour.

Read the news article about this new CCS plug

Interview with an expert: Patrick Heuts

Patrick Heuts explains why Ebusco believes in LFP battery technology.

LFP batteries are the key for Ebusco

We’re happy to advise

Ebusco offers a high-quality large battery pack. As a result, buses can be operational all day long without having to charge, which in most cases has a positive effect on the TCO and on the useful lifespan of the battery.

There are various options regarding the ultimate choice of battery and warranty, adapted to specific requirements in each user situation. This depends on many parameters such as the type of bus, the average usage, the type of battery, etc. With our broad experience of electric transport, we are experts in this field and are happy to advise and help in putting together the ultimate transport concept.

Charging depot bus

Would you like to know more about our batteries, charging or the technology behind them?

Please get in touch