Transport for London (TfL), which operates travel services across the capital, has announced that new pantograph bus charging technology is now available at Bexleyheath bus garage.
Pantograph chargers have an arm-like structure, which attach to a bus’ roof to deliver a quick, high-power charging. They are also equipped with wireless RFID technology, which supports communication between the pantograph and the bus.
When using pantograph technology, buses which are conventionally charged overnight instead receive a high-power current via the pantograph throughout the day. This offers an increase in available power and is known as ‘opportunity charging’.
According to TfL, each top-up takes less than 10 minutes, which enables buses to travel further each day, meaning the same level of service can be maintained using fewer vehicles.
TfL’s plans to bring in the new technology to align with its commitment to deliver a fully zero-emission bus fleet in London by 2034, with these plans potentially being brought forward to 2030, depending on funding availability.
TfL has also pledged to only bring new vehicles into service if they are zero-emission.
The company claims to be working with bus manufacturers to develop a ‘competitive zero-emission market’ and that it is collaborating with stakeholders on infrastructural needs.
What’s more, there are reportedly more than 850 zero-emission buses already operating in London, the majority of which can only be powered by overnight charging at bus garages.
TfL claims this is the first time that pantograph technology has been adopted in London and that they will be used to power the fully-electric route 132.
Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s director of bus, said: “The threats of toxic air, climate change and congestion are becoming clearer every day, and it’s vital that we find technical solutions that help us run clean, green services that get Londoners where they need to be.
“When buses can travel further each day, as they do with this exciting pantograph technology, we can deliver the same service that Londoners rely on without increasing the number of buses and invest in other routes.
“The installation of the rapid pantograph charging for route 132 is a key step to help us get zero-emission buses running on routes all across London.”
From next year, TfL intends to offer a further extension of ‘opportunity charging’, by deploying pantographs at either end of a single bus route, route 358, which is one of London’s longest. Currently, it cannot be supported by charging in a conventional garage.
Instead, the pantograph, located at either end of the route, will be used to support the service throughout the day.
