Heliox has supplied a Heliox OC 300kW charger at the turnaround point of bus routes 8-9 in the suburbs of s’Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. This project is significant as it is the first of a kind that connects a residential area with the city center, carrying Heliox’ latest innovation Smart Switch.
As a true example of smart charging the Heliox OC 300 kW charger uses a smart switch that guides the powerful DC to two connected Charge Masts. The extra intelligence enables operator Arriva to charge 9 electric buses with one opportunity charger by having 2 buses connected to the charger, while automatically switching from the fully charged battery bus to the emptier battery bus.
This project is a great example of interoperability and the strength of open interfaces as small electric buses have been driving in the city center for several years on bus routes 70 and 80. One of the lines has already been covered by the Heliox opportunity charging system, connecting two Park/Ride spots with the city center. The new addition is a great example of how Heliox’s commitment towards developing open technology means that the current solutions can support large-scale, multi-supplier projects without any complications.
Source: VDL Bus & Coach bv.
Ard Romers, director of VDL Bus & Coach Netherlands: "In this kind of complex projects, close cooperation between various parties is a prerequisite for a successful implementation. We have already had numerous E-Mobility collaboration projects between Arriva and VDL Bus & Coach and Heliox in the Netherlands. After Venlo, Maastricht, Vlieland, Ameland and Terschelling, we are now also working on the development of zero emission bus transport in 's-Hertogenbosch. The pioneering role that the Province of North Brabant dares to play in the zero-emission project in 's-Hertogenbosch is essential for the further transition to clean and quiet electric transport. "
The new charging system has been placed in the proximity of residential households, Therefore, Heliox liquid-cooled system is proving the perfect measure to depreciate noise levels. Taking Heliox’s proven capabilities in evidence, it will include that electric buses enable to whisk people around towns and cities with no pollution.
Heliox’s OC 300 kW charger can recharge a battery in 2-5 minutes. These chargers are compatible with the roof-mounted system, an interoperable and open interface. This reliable and robust system uses a pantograph mounted on the bus, including remote management that ensures high uptime throughout the operation. Heliox fast chargers can communicate and connect with whichever OCPP 1.6 Backoffice system is preferred by the customer. This type of flexibility allows the customer greater visibility and control of the infrastructure network, minimizing downtime and the flexibility to connect to any charging network that maximizes the value and insight caught from the chargers.
Koen van Haperen, Heliox Business Development Manager: “In Heliox’s portfolio we have DC chargers that vary from 25kW to 600 kW power chargers. For this project, we have implemented the best suitable solution to meet the customers’ needs and applied our Smart Switch for the highest availability. We see this project as a beautiful step for the city of ‘s Hertogenbosch to achieve a healthier city environment for its community. It has been a swift implementation together with all the stakeholders and we are happy to see how cities such as ‘s Hertogenbosch are investing more in sustainable public transportation.”
The city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch has been one of the front-runners of e-mobility in the Netherlands and has already switched to cleaner forms of transport that enable diminish the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Heliox’s integrated systems optimize the reduction of harmful emissions of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and lung-damaging particulates.
Heliox is further pushing the limits of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future for the next generations.
