The benefits of a common interface
OppCharge supports competition and interoperability
1
The preferred solution
Migration to electric vehicles cannot not afford conflicts between several parallel solutions.
2
Interoperability
Any vehicle make must be able to connect to any charging station. Just like with OppCharge.
3
The power of competition
With several suppliers complying with the same standard, the city and the operators have freedom of choice.
4
Future-proof
OppCharge is fully compliant with ACEA recommendations "Charging of Electric Buses, May 2017". It is also agreed and recommended by several actors in the industry and bridges to international standards currently being developed.
15 kg
...is the weight of the OppCharge connector rails mounted on the vehicle, which means minimum impact on passenger capacity.
The connector
OppCharge offers supreme reliability. The charging rail is a durable fixed-mount light-weight design, meeting all foreseeable power requirements.
Charging on the bottom line
Pole-mounting minimises the required number of pantographs for a given bus route, and reduces the overall cost for charging equipment. Change the numbers below to see this dimension of OppCharge benefits.
Eliminating bad vibrations
Vibration is the worst enemy of any mechanical structure. With the pantograph steadily attached to the charging station, it is not exposed to vibration and weather in the way a roof mount would be.
Outstanding reliability
The pantograph has a century-long record of being utterly dependable. This simple technical solution makes for a long service life and minimum downtime. The reliability of conductive charging is further enhanced by the rail layout and placement.
Minimised space requirements
The charging rails and their isolating consoles add next to nothing in vehicle height. The OppCharge connector is a durable lightweight design meeting all foreseeable power requirements.
4.5 m …is the standard minimum height for highway bridges in Europe. With the OppCharge charging rails, even a double decker will pass.
Positioning
Proper positioning is crucial for efficient and reliable charging. OppCharge uses the front axle centre as a reference point – the best common denominator for commercial vehicles.
Universal reference point
OppCharge uses the vehicle’s front axle centre as the reference point. This allows applications for virtually all types of buses and trucks.
Easier positioning
The rail position makes for easier manoeuvring and better margins at charging stations.
Better for physically disabled
With easier and more precise positioning at the bus stop, boarding is safer and simpler for physically and visually impaired passengers.
OppCharge is flexible and versatile. With the charging rails positioned over the front axle, it can also be used for electric trucks.
Communication protocol
OppCharge is automatic. A standardised communication protocol secures reliability and interoperability.
Fully automated
Charging is fully automatic and secured by a two-way WiFi communication sequence. The driver starts the charging sequence by activating the parking brake, and can interrupt it at any time.
Guiding the driver
The driver gets a clear indication in order to stop within the specified ± 200 mm from the reference point. Ease of use is proven in commercial operation.
Based on established standards
A standardised protocol, ISO 15118, makes for safe connection and reliable charging. Directional antennas are used for communication and association.
Performance
OppCharge is designed according to established standards for high-current DC charging. No upper power limit is set in the OppCharge specification.
150 kW or more
OppCharge allows high-power charging. Power ratings are currently 150, 300 and 450 kW. Charging current is controlled according to IEC 61851 part 1 and part 23 (electric vehicle conductive charging system).
Opportunity charging at end stops
Electric and electric hybrid vehicles are charged at the end stops in order to eliminate impact on the route schedule. With a span of power ratings, charging can be optimised in terms of charging time and battery condition.
Minimum weight and maintenance need
The extremely low weight of the charging rails leaves passenger and cargo capacity untouched. OppCharge also contributes to the vehicle’s uptime. With no moving parts on the vehicle the risk of unplanned maintenance is substantially reduced.
Applications
Charging at end stops
Opportunity charging is the best optimisation of cost, available service hours and grid load. Placing charging stations at end stops minimises impact on route schedules.
Indoor bus stops
OppCharge also provides for installing the pantograph indoors, thus making it possible to create new types of bus stops and enhance passenger comfort.
Depot charging
OppCharge can also be used for charging in depots, installed either on charging poles outdoors or indoors in the garage or workshop ceiling.
Oppcharge in use
The number of OppCharge stations is growing steadily. As of May 2019, 763 vehicles can charge at a total of 164 OppCharge stations in 13 countries.
Stockholm
Hamburg
Gothenburg, Johanneberg
Gothenburg, Lindholmen
Gothenburg, Arendal
Supporting organisations
An increasing number of actors support OppCharge as a common interface. OppCharge is also compliant with ACEA's recommendation "Charging of Electric Buses, May 2017". Here are the current supporting organisations.
Specifications
| Position | Mast pantograph centred above vehicle front axle reference position. |
| Weight | 15 kg, vehicle-mounted equipment |
| Charging power | >150 kW |
| WiFi interface | Communication via 802.11a (5 GHz) |
| DC connection standard | IEC 61851-23 |
| Compliance | Follows ISO/IEC 15118 |
| Interoperability | Verified for bus industry and charging system suppliers |
| Future-proof | Committed to compliance with future international standards |
| Compatibility | Double deckers and trucks |