Pioneering technology leader ABB, Volvo Bus (www.volvobuses.com) and Birmingham Airport are collaborating on an environment-friendly passenger transport service in and around the airport.

From November, the service will see six Volvo 7900e fully electric low-emission single-deck buses service the airport grounds.

Due to the requirement for 24/7 operation, each of the buses will be recharged en route, using the OppCharge pantograph system supplied by ABB.

OppCharge is an open-interface for the automated charging of both single- and double-deck electric buses from any manufacturer using a pantograph to connect the bus to the charging point.

Charging will take up to 6min, enabling continuous operation of the electric buses without needing to spend time in the depot being ‘topped up’ with power.

Frank Muehlon, head of ABB’s global business for EV charging infrastructure (www.new.abb.com), said: “As a global leader in EV charging solutions, we are proud to be partnering with Volvo and Birmingham Airport to bring sustainable transport to this busy UK hub.

"This project marks a significant step in an on-going partnership between ABB and Volvo, which has seen our companies work side by side since 2014 on developing electric bus solutions for improved urban mobility.

"We are delighted to be involved in delivering such a landmark transport solution for the Midlands, and we look forward to welcoming passengers to experience the benefits of e-mobility when the service launches later this year.”

Initially two 300kW pantographs will be available outside the airport terminal, with plans to install further pantographs around the bus route if services are expanded.

In addition, two 100kW ‘plug in’ charging points using the CCS2 connector for DC fast charging will be available in the airport’s coach park.

In future, these charging points will be made available to other bus operators who adopt electric vehicles.