ABB technologies help buses in Zurich become more energy efficient

Energy-efficient drive solutions and energy storage systems from ABB are helping municipal public transport companies approach the goal of emission-free mobility.

Electric buses equipped with ABB powertrain technologies are significantly more energy efficient and sustainable than conventional diesel-powered vehicles. These are already on the road in cities across Europe, specifically line 83 of the Zurich public transport company (VBZ), which has been operating exclusively with electricity since mid-2021. The switching to electric operation on this line alone allows for savings of more than 200,000 liters of diesel and 540 tons of CO2 per year.

More than 200,000 liters of diesel and around 540 tonnes of CO2 are being saved per year.

The busses operate through a combination of existing catenaries and battery power. Half of their route is run entirely under catenaries, while on the rest of the line without catenaries, the busses run exclusively on battery power. The energy storage system installed on the roof of each vehicle is charged whilst driving under wire. The battery technology also allows 100 percent regenerative braking and energy savings of around 15 percent compared to conventional trolleybuses.

The electric busses are partly run on existing overhead lines which both provide power to the bus and charge the onboard battery for use when the overhead lines don’t extend the full route.

The dynamic charging of the energy storage system in particular guarantees great flexibility for cities with an existing catenary infrastructure when it comes to expanding their network.

Electric busses improve city air quality as no greenhouse gases are emitted and reduce noise pollution due to quieter operation.

According to the strategy of the Swiss Association for Public Transport, by 2050 trains and buses in Switzerland must be around 30 percent more energy efficient and run without the slightest CO2 emissions. When charged with renewable energy, an e-bus produces no greenhouse gases. Since the direct emissions while driving are zero, the local population also benefits from better air quality. Not to mention the quiet factor of electric buses.

E-buses have the added benefit in cities of supporting better air quality and reducing noise pollution.

ABB is a pioneer in the electrification of electric vehicles and a world leader in drive systems and charging infrastructure for electromobility in all its forms, and can draw on its extensive expertise. With a wide range of innovative solutions, ABB is able to meet the different needs and requirements of cities, infrastructure providers and public transport companies and offer them tailor-made technological solutions so that in the future their public transport is constantly improving its energy efficiency while reducing CO2 emissions.