A partnership between motorist, electrician and researcher
Swedish engine manufacturer Volvo Penta has signed a partnership with ABB, a specialist in marine electricity, and the University of Chalmers in the field of electric boats and vessels. The 3 entities will collaborate in the study of solutions for the rapid recharging of dockside vessels. The time required to regain full autonomy and fully charged batteries is a major challenge for the development of electric motorization in the maritime sector. "While all-electric navigation is in its infancy, for this new transport system to be a success and grow, it is necessary to develop a network of fast charging stations," explains Niklas Thulin, Director of Electric Mobility at Volvo Penta. "Identifying the most promising solutions will be the challenge of this one-year project."
From buses to electric boats, open-source charging stations
The members of the research program will be able to draw on their respective experiences. Volvo Penta has the experience of developing land-based solutions for city buses, while ABB has already participated in the development of shore power connection systems for cruise ships. The feasibility study will be part of the ElectriCity public transport programme of the City of Gothenburg, which is home to Volvo Penta's headquarters. "The need for infrastructure, standards and regulations are crucial to accelerate this change. These charging infrastructures could be shared with road applications, with electric buses sharing the same fast charging solutions as electric ferries, for example," says Niklas Thulin. Volvo Penta indicates its willingness to leave the technology it will develop open-source to accelerate the adoption of electromobility worldwide.
