Geneva, Switzerland may soon revolutionize public transport in urban areas with its TOSA charging station.
TOSA (Trolleybus Optimisation Système Alimentation) is designed to literally cut the cables associated with electric buses. The system was developed by ABB Group, a Zurich-based company. The TOSA system is placed along an electric bus' route, around every third or fourth stop. When the bus is stopped and passengers are getting on and off, the arm on the TOSA lines up with the charging pod on the roof (a laser guidance system is used.) The arm shoots a 15-second burst good for 400 kilowatts of energy.
The bus batteries are charged periodically throughout its route, and a full recharge takes only three to four minutes once the route is completed. The TOSA charging station is powered entirely by hydroelectricity, making the system free of emissions.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop wireless charging technology for electric vehicles that eliminates the need for physical charging stations.
- Fast Charging Infrastructure
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create an infrastructure of rapid charging stations for electric vehicles that can provide a full recharge in a matter of minutes.
- Sustainable Transportation Solutions
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate and develop sustainable transportation systems that reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of public transport.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Electric Vehicle Manufacturing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate fast-charging technology into electric vehicles to increase their convenience and appeal to consumers.
- Renewable Energy
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine renewable energy sources with fast-charging infrastructure to create a sustainable and efficient transportation system.
- Smart City Technology
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize smart city technology to optimize the placement and operation of rapid charging stations for electric vehicles.
