Kempower Pantograph Up

Automated charging sequence and fast charging of electric buses

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Key Benefits

  • Optimal fast charging solution for buses

    Suitable for overnight charging of electric buses, the Pantograph Up has a contact dome at the end of a robust steel frame, and integrated charging control electronics. This allows automated and quick charging sessions for electric buses.​

  • Supporting charging power of up to 500 kW

    Higher charging power made available for buses equipped with large batteries, reducing their charging times.​

  • Flexibility in designing the charging system topology

    Multiple Kempower Satellites, Pantographs, or other power delivery units can be connected to the same Power Unit to form a Distributed Charging System. Power is available simultaneously with equal or prioritized power distribution.​

Automated Pantograph charging of electric buses.

Two pantograph charging methods are available: Kempower Pantograph Up and Kempower Pantograph Down. The pantograph charging session is fully automated, and is triggered by the bus driver, requiring precision to stop the bus at the correct location. ​

In the former (Up) method, each bus is equipped with an oscillating pantograph arm installed on the rooftop, and the charging station has an A-shaped current collector dome. Pantograph Up operates similarly to CCS plug charging. ​

The other option, Pantograph Down, is also called OppCharge. While each bus has current transfer rails on the rooftop, each charging station includes a retractable pantograph arm that moves down and up. Kempower Pantograph Down uses local wireless communication between the charging station and the bus.​

A pantograph charging system consists of a grid supply, a double or triple cabinet Power Unit, a pantograph cantilever frame, and a current collector dome or pantograph arm assembly. Both methods are capable of charging at power levels of 450 kW or more. Kempower supports both pantograph charging methods, although Pantograph Up has been more popular in EU countries.​

The charging configuration for the DC fast chargers, and the entire electric bus charging site is managed using the Kempower ChargEye for Depot backend solution.

Fast Charging for Electric Buses ​

The Pantograph Up features a contact dome at the end of a sturdy steel frame with integrated charging control electronics, capable of delivering a maximum charging power of 500 kW. Its charging protocol aligns with CCS charging.​

Pantograph Up streamlines fast charging for electric buses with a fully automated sequence. Once the vehicle is correctly positioned beneath the dome, the extending pantograph arm connects with the dome to begin charging.​

Similar to the Kempower Satellite Charging System, Pantograph Up can be fully controlled via the Kempower ChargEye cloud service.​

Connect up to 8 Pantograph Up charging points to a Power Unit for expanded charging capabilities.​

  • Datasheet: Kempower Pantograph Up

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