First demonstration for ASSURED, the EU project focused on e-bus charging interoperability

ASSURED, the project co-funded by the European Commission (EC) to promote the electrification of urban transport vehicles, has on 21 October kicked off its first demonstration. Hosted by Volvo Buses, the Gothenburg launch marked the start of a series of demos taking place around Europe that will test different solutions aiming to advance the uptake of electric commercial fleets in cities.

Gothenburg is the first demonstration site of the ASSURED project to begin, after which other demos across Europe will take place throughout 2020 and 2021, in Barcelona (Spain), Osnabruck (Germany), and Eindhoven (the Netherlands). During the pilots, local operators and manufacturers will test different technologies for flexible high-power charging and interoperability, as well as charging strategies and tools for fleet optimisation, to further advance fleet upscale.

ASSURED, indoor charging in the spotlight

The Gothenburg event gathered the presence of UITP (International Association of Public Transport), the European Commission, ASSURED Coordinator Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Swedish public transport operator Västtrafik, and the ASSURED Consortium. Approximately 350 participants from Europe and beyond joined the online event.

During the launch, participants witnessed the interoperability of different technologies for high-power fast charging with urban commercial vehicles, like public transport buses and trucks, but also vans. The demo, which is alongside Volvo Buses led by technology company ABB, tests one 12m electric bus with opportunity charging (300kW) and two 18m e-buses with high-power opportunity charging (450kW). Another focus was on the concept of indoor charging, highlighting exciting ways of integrating public transport into cities. Finally, the launch event revealed that Volvo will from autumn 2021introduce a roof-mounted pantograph solution, also known as panto-up.

Volvo highlighted the ASSURED project as a vital means to further advance e-mobility: “With standardisation, we can speed up the development of electric, sustainable and efficient public transport. This is why the ASSURED project has been so important for us at Volvo. Gathering so many different stakeholders involved to develop and discuss interoperability and standardisation for high-power charging has been very valuable. Not only for Volvo, but for everybody involved in ASSURED.” said Håkan Agnewall, President Volvo.