The Swiss-headquartered ABB Group has created the first electric-bus system that doesn’t require overhead power lines, being able to “flash charge” in 15 seconds when it pulls into stops. From the company’s release:

“The new boost charging technology will be deployed for the first time on a large capacity electric bus, carrying as many as 135 passengers. The bus will be charged directly at selected stops with a 15-second energy boost while the passengers enter and leave the bus, based on a new type of automatic flash-charging mechanism. The pilot project runs between Geneva airport and the city’s international exhibition center, Palexpo.

‘Through flash charging, we are able to pilot a new generation of electric buses for urban mass transport that no longer relies on overhead lines,’ said Claes Rytoft, ABB’s acting Chief Technology Officer. ‘This project will pave the way for switching to more flexible, cost-effective, public transport infrastructure while reducing pollution and noise.'”