When we conceived, designed and built our restaurant (with energy distribution stations in the plans in 2003) of the 21st Century back in 2004 this is what I figured charging would evolve to... almost instant charging..See my Breeze-thru.
From Forbes...
A new high-capacity flash-charging technology pioneered by ABB Group, the Swiss power and automation conglomerate, will allow electric trolleys to run without overhead power lines.
“Through flash charging, we are able to pilot a new generation of electric buses for urban mass transport that no longer relies on overhead lines,” said Claes Rytoft, ABB ‘s acting Chief Technology Officer, in a press release. “This project will pave the way for switching to more flexible, cost-effective, public transport infrastructure while reducing pollution and noise.”
Relying on electricity from the power grid, the new charging technology will be installed at “flash stations” along the bus route. The station’s flash charging system connects to the bus’s roof-mounted batteries with a laser-controlled moving arm rather than overhead lines and traditional trolley poles. The charging time takes only about 15 seconds, which allows the bus to stay on schedule.
The new boost charging technology will be deployed for the first time on a large capacity electric bus, carrying as many as 135 passengers and running between Geneva’s airport and the international exhibition center, Palexpo.ABB is partnering on the demonstration project with the International Association of Public Transport (UTIP) and the local power utility, SIG.
The high-capacity flash charging electric bus system was designed for heavily-travelled bus routes in urban areas where concerns about the overhead wires have prevented using electric buses. For example, in many historic cities, the overhead lines have been controversial because of their aesthetic impact. In other areas, the overhead wires have created problems for people living buildings supporting the wires.
