Feasibility study of reconfigurability between different power transmission concepts for electric bus charging

Within the framework of ASSURED project, towards fast and smart charging solutions for electric urban heavy-duty vehicles e.g. buses and trucks, a feasibility study on reconfiguration of two pantograph concepts into each other is performed. The concepts are categorized as inverted and roof-mounted pantographs. State of the art of both concepts in mechanical, electrical, and communications points of view are considered. Both systems are used and well-integrated in the fast charging infrastructure, which can allow the electric buses to charge on route at terminal stops. Since both concepts are incompatible, a bus with a roof-mounted pantograph cannot be charged at a charging station built for an inverted pantograph system due to different interfaces, and vice versa. Thus, this feasibility study focuses on required modifications at both charging infrastructure, and vehicle sides. Technical possibilities of switching between two pantograph solutions are also investigated.