How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Bus?
2 Answers
Bus charging is divided into lithium iron phosphate batteries, which take from 11 PM to 6 AM, and lithium titanate batteries, which take less than 15 minutes. Here are the details: Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery: Lithium iron phosphate battery buses are the mainstream, with a range of approximately 200 kilometers. Lithium titanate battery buses have a range of about 50 to 70 kilometers. In terms of charging time: The charging rate is generally 1C or 1.5C. However, due to their long range, the primary charging time is usually overnight after returning to the depot. From a cost-saving perspective, the charging period is typically from 11 PM to 6 AM, taking advantage of off-peak industrial electricity rates, which are cheaper. The charging power is usually around 15 kW, allowing for slow charging, which is also better for the battery. Lithium Titanate Battery: With a charging rate of 5C and a shorter range, charging mainly occurs during the day, currently taking less than 15 minutes.
I've been driving electric buses for several years, and the charging time mainly depends on the type of charger and the battery's condition. For example, using a standard slow-charging station may take 8 to 10 hours, typically done overnight to ensure sufficient charge for the next day's operation. However, with fast chargers, such as a 150kW DC fast-charging station, you can reach 80% charge in about 30 minutes, which is enough for half a day's driving. The company's scheduling takes charging time into account, arranging fast charging at terminal stations or transfer points to minimize waiting time. Larger batteries require longer charging times, and efficiency decreases as the battery ages. In practice, checking the charging status every night is routine to avoid service delays the next day. The city is gradually upgrading facilities to make charging more seamless.
