From drives to batteries: ABB Traction's offer (and strategy) for the electric bus market - Sustainable Bus

"Speaking of batteries, there is definitely a sweet spot in the bus sector for LTO batteries. However, we remain open to new battery technologies. We are also exploring NTO, a niobium-based chemistry similar to LTO but with higher energy density, allowing more energy in the same volume while maintaining safety, robustness and to some extent longevity. At the end, we're cell-agnostic, screening all technologies-from LFP to NTO to upcoming solid-state solutions."

"I'd start with our new HES580 Mobile Inverter, a three-level converter built on IGBT technology and perfectly matched to our motor. The HES580 can also be paired with non-ABB motors very efficiently. This design significantly improves efficiency, delivering up to 8% fuel savings. In addition, it reduces stress on the motor, compared to SIC-Technology where you have increased stress on the motor winding, lowers heat generation, and minimizes maintenance requirements, making it an ideal solution for heavy-duty electric buses."

ABB Traction supplies powertrain components for heavy-duty electric buses, including the HES580 three-level IGBT inverter, the AMXE250S central motor, and high-performance LTO batteries. The HES580 pairs with ABB and non-ABB motors, improves efficiency up to 8%, reduces motor stress versus SiC solutions, lowers heat generation, and cuts maintenance. LTO batteries fit a sweet spot for bus duty while ABB screens cell chemistries including NTO, LFP and future solid-state options. Rigorous performance testing and mission-profile matching guide deployments. System expertise includes packaging, laser welding, BMS, control algorithms, functional safety, and system integration.

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