ABB Powers E-Mobility Progress in Chile with Innovative Charging Solution
Chile becomes the first country in Latin America to have bus terminals equipped with ABB heavy vehicle chargers, setting a precedent for the region. In a landmark move towards widening the adoption of e-mobility in Chile, ABB’s Heavy Vehicle Chargers are set to power a fleet of 25 electric buses in the country. Redbus Urbano, which operates buses in the capital Santiago’s public transport network, unveiled new terminals featuring the chargers in the presence of Chilean minister of Transport, Gloria Hutt. The ceremony also marked the 1000th bus with new Chilean standard (Euro VI or Electric). Santiago now has 411 electric buses in operation, more than any other Latin American city.
ABB has supplied eight Heavy Vehicle Chargers, each with three depot charging boxes, for the terminals in the cities of Nueva Bilbao and El Salto. These chargers are the first to be supplied in Latin America, and feature ABB’s sequential charging technology.
A single power cabinet is paired with up to three depot charge boxes. Installed in the depot, they are connected with the buses and after the first vehicle has finished charging, the next vehicle will start charging automatically.
The HVC’s provide high charging power to the buses to ensure maximum vehicle availability. In addition, with having three depot boxes connected to a 150 kW power cabinet, charging of three buses only require 33 percent of the grid connection compared to three standalone 150 kW chargers, reducing initial investment and operational costs.
Source : Strategic Research Institute