How To Choose The Right Charging Solution For Your Electric Bus

When it comes to buying an electric bus Australia, it is important to have a charging solution in mind. There are different types of energy and charging services that clarify the advantages of technology such as vehicle to grid, but there are also differences when it comes to electric vehicle charging solutions. Here is a breakdown of some of the differences and why they are important for bus operators.

 

DC vs AC

AC means alternating current and is a type of power that goes in and out of the grid we all plug into. On the other hand, DC means direct current and is the type of power you get from batteries such as AA batteries used to operate personal electronic devices. Batteries for your electric bus can only store DC power and this means a conversion needs to happen to enable different charging levels. In both DC and AC, an inverter is needed for the conversion of power. The inverter can either be installed in the vehicle or inside the charger.

 

AC charging tips

There are some important things to adhere to when it comes to AC charging. Here are some guidelines you need to know.

 

Ensure you have the right level of power

If your electric bus requires 19.2kW, it is important to ensure you have an 80-amp charging station.

 

Choose a smart charging solution

Electric bus manufacturers offer charging recommendations to ensure you don’t make mistakes and damage the battery. You should choose an AC charging option that goes beyond dumb charging and allows you to charge your bus when rates are low. This will help you save on your utility bills.

 

Consider a DC option if you are looking at V2G

V2G with alternating current charging is possible but very uncommon. It is important to confirm your buses are V2G-enabled before charging.

 

DC charging tips

When it comes to charging with DC charging, it is important to consider the following tips.

 

Not all direct-current charging is fast

The term DC Fast Charger (DCFC) refers to a wide range of power levels depending on the charging station solution. To ensure your DC station is fast charging, you need to do some simple mathematics. For example, a DC charging station with a 25kW capacity will take over six hours to charge a bus with a battery of 155kWh; a direct current charger with a 60kW capacity will take less than three hours to charge an electric bus with a battery of 155kWh.

 

Check the DC charging station specifications

You will need to have the correct output in terms of voltage for DC charging. It is therefore important to check the compatibility between the charging station and the electric bus. If you have an electric bus that has an 800 V battery pack but your charger has a maximum of 400V output, you will not be able to charge your bus properly.

 

Utilize V2G

DC charging is most preferred for the V2G operations due to utility interconnection requirements. However, it is important to ensure your electric bus Australia is V2G enabled.