ABB and Zemtec drive change in e-mobility

ABB in New Zealand is collaborating with Zemtec (Zero Emission Technologies) to provide a high-power charging solution that enables the company to deliver sustainable, emission free e-buses.

 Zemtec’s electric buses will be powered by ABB’s Terra 184 DC charger at Zemtec’s depot.

The E-City bus seats 45 plus the driver and caters for 33 standing, the bus having about 200km range (235kWh Xalt Energy battery pack) or 263km (option 310kWh battery pack), the rear drive axle producing 250kW of power and 21,000Nm torque.

It’s lighter than a conventional diesel bus of the same size and can carry the same passenger load on two axles as opposed to a diesel’s three.

“Zemtec is committed to delivering future-proof solutions for tomorrow’s world and is driving change for the next generation of electric vehicles,” Zemtec engineering director Frank Reardon says.

“We are proud to be working with ABB, who share this same perspective by providing leading edge technology that will help achieve a sustainable future.”

Emission-free public transportation, such as electric buses, improves local air quality and reduces noise pollution. However, the project can come with challenges, especially in choosing the right infrastructure to support the operational needs of the fleet. 

ABB’s DC fast chargers run on the ABB Ability Connected Services Platform, which employs Microsoft’s Azure cloud services to enhance uptime, scalability, and operational efficiencies, as well as to provide real-time remote support services. 

E-buses are forecasted globally to grow to 1.2 million by 2025, equal to about 47% of the worldwide city bus fleet, so reliable DC fast charging stations with robust connectivity to innovative, on-demand charging systems are important.

Also available from ABB are infrastructure solutions such as substations, energy storage systems and eco-friendly switchgear, that meets the needs of the next generation of smarter mobility, providing solutions for charging heavy EVs such as buses and trucks.

“The ABB Terra 184 DC charger has a powerful charge of 184kW and is especially designed to charge larger fleets of electric vehicles in the most optimised way,” ABB’s electrification sales specialist Debbie van der Schyff says.

“You can charge buses from different brands with the same charger, following the international standards and comprehensive interoperability testing.”  

The New Zealand Government recently unveiled an up to $8600 subsidy for EVs to reduce emissions after the Climate Change Commission recommended banning petrol and diesel cars by 2023.

Currently, transport makes up almost 33% of long-lived greenhouse gas emissions here.