Swiss-Swedish engineering firm ABB has been selected by the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia to supply and install EV charging stations for the state’s first electric public transport bus route.
ABB will supply and install EV charging station at the Joondalup Bus Depot, run by Transperth, PTA’s metro-area operating arm, for the free five-kilometre Joondalup CAT (central area transit) route, serving as Western Australia’s first electric bus trial.
“Trialling new, green technology is a great use of our public transport network, already one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get around Perth,” said WA’s Transport Minister Rita Saffioti. “This is the first time we have trialled electric buses on a CAT route and I’m excited to see what commuters think about this new technology.”
ABB’s Terra184 180kW high-power EV chargers will provide the bus depot overnight charging for its new Volvo electric busses to operate on this CAT route and are able to charge two buses simultaneously.
The chargers also include cloud connectivity, allowing network operators the option to remotely monitor and diagnose the charging infrastructure 24/7, maximising uptime, increasing efficiency, and ensuring reliable infrastructure for the public.
The chargers also utilise CCS (Combined Charging System) connectivity and OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compliance, combining charging cabinet and charging post, reducing the infrastructure footprint necessary to charge multiple buses, making it a valuable addition to compact installations like bus depots where space comes at a premium.
“ABB is committed to driving innovation in the e-mobility sector to advance the uptake of EV technology that supports Australia’s transition away from modes of transport that produce green-house-gas (GHG) emissions,” said David Sullivan, Head of Electrification, ABB Australia.
“The transport sector — including passenger, mass transit and freight vehicles — currently accounts for 18.9% of Australia’s emissions making it the country’s second highest emitting sector after electricity generation.
“State-run public transport and vehicle fleets can kickstart Australia’s EV awareness and readiness to embrace this advanced technology and lead the way with EV ambitions.
