Smart Charging

Smart charging is therefore a key technology for the integration of electric vehicles into the existing energy infrastructure network. The technologies can be applied to a wide range of electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles and fully electric cars in particular, as well as public transportation such as electric buses, will benefit from the new technological developments. 

Smart charging is used in the automotive industry for private and commercial vehicles as well as in local public transport to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply. Electrically powered vehicles in industry and logistics can also be charged using smart charging. 

Smart charging systems for electric vehicles offer great potential, especially for vehicles that rely on regular and fast charging cycles, such as company car fleets and electric buses in urban areas. They react flexibly to the following framework conditions: 

• Energy requirements of the vehicle 
• Planned routes and downtimes 
• State of the power grid 
• Changes in electricity tariffs 

 

From flash charging to opportunity charging - an overview

Smart charging comprises various charging methods that differ in terms of their charging speed and application scenario. Each of these methods has specific advantages and is designed for different areas of application, from fast charging processes at bus stops to slower but battery-saving processes overnight in depots. 

A distinction is made between the following smart charging methods: 

• Flash charging: extremely fast charging 
• Opportunity charging: Flexible charging on occasion 
• Depot charging: Overnight charging at depots 
• Inductive charging: Wireless charging method 
• Automated conductive charging: Direct, automatic connection via current collectors 
• Trickle charging: slow, battery-friendly charging 

 

Flash charging: extremely fast charging 

Flash charging is a technology designed to charge electric vehicles in a very short time. This method makes it possible to transfer significant amounts of energy in just a few minutes, ideal for buses and cars in urban environments that only spend a limited amount of time at bus stops. 

The high charging power means that the battery can be recharged quickly enough to cover the next journey without the need for long downtimes. Special forms of high-current charging are used here. 

Opportunity charging: Flexible opportunity charging 

Opportunity charging allows electric vehicles to be charged during short, scheduled stops along a route, such as at bus stops. This technology reduces the need for large batteries as the vehicle is charged regularly throughout the day.  

This system is particularly efficient for use on public transport, where vehicles have frequent but predictable breaks. In industry, too, electrically powered vehicles can be charged in this way to minimize downtimes and increase capacity utilization in shift operations. 

Depot charging: Overnight charging at depots 

Depot charging refers to the overnight charging of electric vehicles at a depot or garage. This method is effective for fleet operators and public transportation as it allows multiple vehicles to be charged simultaneously without affecting daily operations. Depot charging often takes advantage of cheaper overnight electricity rates and allows for a full charge over several hours. 

Conductive charging: Wireless charging 

Conductive charging uses magnetic fields to transfer energy wirelessly from a base plate to a receiver unit in the vehicle floor. This technology enables seamless charging without physical cable connections, increasing convenience and reducing maintenance. Conductive charging is ideal for private cars and is also becoming increasingly interesting in commercial and public contexts, as no direct interaction is required for the charging process. 

Trickle charging: slow, battery-friendly charging

Trickle charging is a charging method that delivers energy slowly and steadily, which is ideal for long-term battery conservation. This technique is often used when electric vehicles are parked for long periods of time and helps to keep the battery fully charged and in good condition - without overcharging or unnecessary strain. Trickle charging is therefore ideal for vehicle owners who do not need their vehicle on a daily basis. 

Automated conductive charging - smart charging in public transport 

Automated conductive charging is an advanced method that revolutionizes the charging process for electric vehicles by establishing a direct and automatic connection between the charging system and the vehicle. 

This connection is usually made by a mechanical arm or other automated system that precisely and safely connects the charging contacts to the vehicle. Such systems are particularly advantageous in public transportation systems such as electrically powered railroads, where fast and reliable charging is essential for smooth operation. 

In practice, this technology can be implemented using roof-mounted pantographs or inverted pantographs. With roof-mounted pantographs, contact is made from above on the battery-powered vehicle according to the bus-up principle, while with inverted pantographs, contact is made from below according to the top-down principle. Both approaches enable efficient and fast energy transfer. 

Note: The automated conductive charging systems are not only designed for occasional charging, but also for depot charging, which makes them widely applicable in various e-mobility scenarios. Thanks to the high power transfer capacity, vehicles can be charged efficiently in just a few seconds, which is particularly important in local public transport.