ChargePoint has launched a pantograph option for the ChargePoint Express Plus charging system, the company’s 500 kW DC charging solution designed to provide a major, future-proof upgrade to any catenary-fitted depot.
The new pantograph option supports the charging requirements of electric buses by enabling operators to charge their vehicles on their routes and even in space constrained depots that serve a fleet of buses at one time. The pantograph, which functions like a charging arm, mounts to the top of a bus to transfer power quickly and efficiently. It is available in either scissor or telescoping formats with 100 lbs. of spring force to ensure charging is maintained – even while loading or unloading. The innovative design of ChargePoint Express Plus employs a modular, scalable architecture that enables transit agencies and site hosts to deploy only what they need today while retaining the ability to scale up as demand or the size of their fleet grows. ChargePoint’s Express Plus system provides up to 500 kW of scalable power, with software-driven capabilities, including the setting of power allocation, management and service planning for the lowest optimized costs.
“Electric buses have unique needs and from concept to scale, our fleet solution portfolio includes everything they need to optimize fueling as a fleet grows,” said Rich Mohr, senior vice president of sales for the Americas at ChargePoint. “We believe the conversion of fleets to EVs remains inevitable and we will continue developing innovative solutions to make the transition as seamless as possible for any equipment owner.”
Express Plus systems with the pantograph dispenser enable seamless fast charging in even the tightest of parking formations, with the flexibility and scalability to meet the needs of any bus fleet charging scenario, including fast on-route charging and lower power charging for extended dwell times. The development of a pantograph solution is funded in part by a grant from the California Energy Commission.
ChargePoint provides electric fleet charging solutions for dozens of transit agencies across North America and Europe, including the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. ChargePoint’s comprehensive fleet charging portfolio includes AC Level 2 and DC Level 3 fast charging stations, from 12 kW up to the 500 kW charging speeds now offered by the pantograph dispenser.
