While battery technology continues to advance, automated high-performance charging systems remain essential. They reduce the required battery capacity, lower costs and enable the smooth operation of large bus fleets. Schunk Transit Systems is the technology leader in this field and offers solutions for various application scenarios:
Schunk technology relies on roof-mounted pantographs, which are located either on the bus roof or in the charging infrastructure. Two proven systems are used depending on requirements:
For special applications, Schunk also offers the Underbody Charger, a charging technology in which the vehicle is charged from below - ideal for transport lorries or mining vehicles.
Schunk Smart Charging has proven itself in more than 150 cities and 35 countries. One showcase project is Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, where 200 electric buses travel over 30,000 km per day with zero emissions - charged via Schunk pantographs. The transport company in Krakow also relies on combined rapid and depot charging with Schunk technology.
Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) is also relying on Schunk technology and equipping its e-buses with pantographs. What does this mean for electromobility in the capital? We spoke to Timo Staubach, Head of Business Area Battery Driven Vehicle, and Johannes Neises, Head of Service Schunk Transit Systems, who are involved in the Schunk project.
Timo Staubach: We hope so, of course. Berlin already has a large fleet of electric buses. But those responsible have realised how impractical and inefficient plug-in charging is. Hence the decision to switch to an innovative and reliable charging system in future. Schunk Smart Charging was chosen - perhaps also because we are no strangers to Berlin. After all, we have been equipping Berlin's rail-based public transport system with reliable components for decades.
Timo Staubach: The first bus was equipped with our pantograph system. We worked closely with the bus manufacturer Solaris and BVG on this. Together with our partners, we successfully tested the charging technology. This first test bus will be followed by a further 49 electric buses from Solaris with Schunk pantographs, meaning that 50 electric buses with pantographs will soon be on the road in Berlin. In the future, BVG would like to equip all new electric buses in this way over the next few years. That would equate to a potential of well over 1,000 buses - the largest e-bus fleet in Germany. It fills us with pride and confirms us in our work that we are the 'Partner of Choice' in such a large and long-term project.
Johannes Neises: We provide reliable and fast support on site and take care of the project in coordination with all partners involved. Because the goal is clear: reliable charging of the buses must be ensured. In addition, we train our customers in handling the pantograph, maintenance and troubleshooting. And, of course, BVG can rely on our proven spare parts management.
Meet us at mobility move 2025 in Berlin!
01. to 03. April 2025
mobility move trade fair, Berlin - Stand 17
Get to know the charging solutions from Schunk Smart Charging and experience live what the future of local transport looks like!
Interested in more information? Find all relevant brochures and documents on the topic here.
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