Summary
- Toshiba is partnering with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro Technology on a project to test a rapid-charging battery for electric buses
- Drive Electro Technology will produce a pantograph charging system and convert a diesel bus to electric
- The project will be implemented in a bus depot in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo, with testing beginning in November 2025
- Used batteries in the pantograph system will be charged to reduce power consumption and supply power to the onboard battery via the pantograph
- The project aims to introduce the system in Asia to address challenges of long charging times and the need for large charging spaces for e-buses
Article
Toshiba, in collaboration with Rinko Bus and Drive Electro Technology, is embarking on a demonstration project to test the effectiveness of a rapid-charging battery for electric buses. The project involves the installation of a pantograph charging system in a bus depot in Kawasaki, Japan. The system will be used to charge a converted diesel bus that will be powered by a Toshiba SCiB rechargeable battery. The test bus is set to begin operation on the city’s roads in November 2025.
Drive Electro Technology will be responsible for producing the pantograph charging system and converting the diesel bus to electric. The project will utilize used batteries in the pantograph charging system to reduce power consumption during peak demand and supply power to the onboard battery through the pantograph. The implementation of this system aims to address the challenges of long charging times and the need for large charging spaces and numerous facilities for charging electric buses.
The primary goal of the project is to lead the introduction of the rapid-charging system in Asia, with the ultimate aim of overcoming the barriers to widespread adoption of e-buses. By demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of the pantograph charging system, Toshiba, Rinko Bus, and Drive Electro Technology hope to pave the way for the widespread use of electric buses in the region. This innovative approach to charging electric buses could significantly reduce the time and infrastructure required for charging, making e-buses a more practical and sustainable transportation option.
The collaboration between Toshiba, Rinko Bus, and Drive Electro Technology highlights the importance of partnerships between technology companies and transportation operators in driving innovation in the field of electric vehicles. By combining their expertise and resources, the three companies are able to develop and test new technologies that have the potential to transform the way we think about public transportation. The successful implementation of the rapid-charging system could set a new standard for e-buses in Asia and beyond, leading to more sustainable and efficient urban transportation systems.
The use of Toshiba’s SCiB rechargeable battery in the project adds an extra layer of credibility and reliability to the demonstration. Known for their long lifespan and rapid charging capabilities, SCiB batteries are well-suited for use in electric buses and other high-demand applications. By leveraging Toshiba’s expertise in battery technology, the project aims to demonstrate the viability of rapid-charging systems for electric buses and showcase the potential for using advanced batteries in sustainable transportation solutions.
Overall, the partnership between Toshiba, Rinko Bus, and Drive Electro Technology represents a significant step towards the widespread adoption of electric buses in Asia. By testing and demonstrating the effectiveness of a rapid-charging system powered by a pantograph, the project aims to address key challenges in the adoption of e-buses, such as long charging times and the need for large charging infrastructure. With the successful implementation of this project, Toshiba and its partners are poised to revolutionize the way electric buses are charged and operated, leading to more sustainable and efficient public transportation systems in cities across the region.
Read the full article here
