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Automated Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles

Automated Conductive Charging Solutions for Electric Vehicles
with Schunk Smart Charging

Electromobility demands infrastructure that is efficient, reliable, and hands-free. Schunk Smart Charging is a proven, high-performance, conductive charging system designed for buses, trucks, and industrial vehicles. With fast connection times and charging capacities up to 1 megawatt, our systems are deployed worldwide and fully scalable for international transit and logistics projects. Whether in public transport, depot operations, or autonomous vehicle fleets, our automated systems ensure safe, high-speed charging with zero manual intervention. With over 180 projects in 25+ countries, Schunk is your trusted partner for the future of e-mobility.

 Electric car and e-bus with Schunk Smart Charging on the road
Schunk Charging Solutions

Conductive Charging Systems Overview: Bus-Up, Top-Down, Depot, and Underbody

SLS 104 – New Roof-Mounted Pantograph with Extended Working Range

The new SLS 104 combines the compact form factor of the SLS 102 with the long reach of the SLS 103. Ideal for mixed-use fleets, it enables reliable automatic charging across a wide range of vehicle heights and is fully backward-compatible with existing infrastructure.

  • Extended vertical reach up to 2,000 mm
  • Optimized for vertical contact – no resting device needed
  • Intelligent drive system
  • Future-proofed for up to 1,000 A continuous current

 

SLS 102 / SLS 103 – Proven Roof-Mounted Pantographs (Bus-Up)

Compact, robust, and in use worldwide. The Panto is mounted on the vehicle and connects to the tailgate from below.

  • Bus-mounted pantograph connects to overhead dome
  • Lightning-fast contact in under 5 seconds
  • Charging power up to 1 MW for double-deckers
  • Actively compensates for parking misalignment

 

SLS 201 – Inverted Pantograph (Top-Down)

The charging element is located in the infrastructure. Perfect for central charging points and confined depot environments.

  • Station-mounted pantograph contacts roof rail
  • Ideal for shared stations or depots with height variations
  • Vertical range up to 2.3 m
  • UL certified and Buy America ready

 

SLS 301 – Depot Charger for Overnight Charging

Cost-effective top-down solution for overnight charging. Low weight on the vehicle, low maintenance.

  • Compact, cost-effective top-down solution
  • Low-maintenance design with minimal vehicle weight impact
  • Used successfully in Zaragoza with 68 buses

 

Underbody Charger – Fully Automated Ground-Based Charging

Automated charging system in the floor – developed for autonomous logistics processes.

  • Installed in the road surface for autonomous operation
  • Cable-free, hands-free operation
  • Charging up to 1 MW in seconds
  • Compliant with ISO 15118 and DIN EN 61851-23-1

Advantages of Automated Charging Systems for Electric Buses and Industrial Vehicles

Schunk Smart Charging is engineered for seamless integration into your operations—from municipal transit to heavy-duty logistics. Here’s what makes the system stand out:

  • Fully automated charging with no cables or plugs
  • Up to 1 MW charging power in less than 30 seconds
  • Efficient conductive technology – no energy loss from induction
  • Compatible with flash, depot, and opportunity charging scenarios
  • Tolerance compensation for imperfect vehicle positioning
  • Modular architecture for buses, trucks, ports, and airports
  • Proven for over 400,000+ charge cycles
  • Digital communication via ISO 15118

How Automated Charging Works with Schunk Smart Charging

1. Vehicle Positioning
Vehicle parks at the defined charging point. System compensates for alignment deviations.

2. Auto-Connection
Depending on the system (Bus-Up, Top-Down, Underbody), the charging arm or unit engages automatically and securely.

3. High-Power Energy Transfer
Up to 1 MW of power is transferred safely and efficiently in seconds. Enables flash charging for up to 100 km range.

4. Disconnection & Departure
After charging, the system disconnects automatically. No manual intervention is required.

Global References: Transit & Depot Projects

  Electric buses with Schunk Smart Charging roof-mounted pantographs charge in the depot

Krakow, Poland

100+ electric buses with SLS 102 pantograph. Flash charging at end-of-line stops, full overnight depot charging.

 City bus from Seattle equipped with Schunk pantographs

Seattle, USA

SLS 201 with UL/ETL certification and Buy America compliance. Supports multiple bus heights at shared charging points

 Electric bus for the city of Zaragoza equipped with Schunk pantographs

Zaragoza, Spain

68 vehicles charged with SLS 301 Depot Chargers. Lightweight design allows tight depot parking with minimal onboard hardware.

Certified Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles Worldwide

Schunk’s Smart Charging infrastructure complies with leading global standards - for maximum safety and international compatibility:

  • EN 50696 & IEC 63407: Automated-conductive high-power interface
  • ISO 15118: Vehicle-to-charging system communication
  • DIN EN 61851-23-1: Safety for DC charging
  • ISO 17409: Safe conductive charging
  • UL/ETL Certified: Approved for North America
  • Buy America Compliant: U.S. domestic sourcing available
Brochure: Depot Charger SLS 301
Brochure: Depot Charger SLS 301

Depot charging with automated connection device

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Brochure: Schunk Smart Charging
Brochure: Schunk Smart Charging

Pioneering charging solutions for the mobile future

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Brochure: Charging up in Seconds
Brochure: Charging up in Seconds

Highly efficient busbars for shorter charging times

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Brochure: Underbody-Charger
Brochure: Underbody-Charger

Fully automated charging system for electrical vehicles

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Brochure: Inverted Pantograph SLS202
Brochure: Inverted Pantograph SLS202

SLS 202 – the new dimension of
versatility and working range

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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Schunk Smart Charging

How fast is the charging process?

Are the systems compliant with U.S. standards?

What’s the advantage over inductive charging?

Any Questions?

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Do you have any questions about our smart charging systems?

 Portrait of Timo Staubach, Head of SBA Battery Driven Vehicles at Schunk Transit Systems