Health of electric bus batteries now measurable on-site via charger

The tool is an important component of Vitalise, the collaborative project with transport operator Arriva Netherlands, Chargepoint, and Heliox Energy. The goal of this project is to extend the lifespan of batteries. A longer effective lifespan of batteries means not only a potentially significant cost saving for users but also a contribution to the sustainability of their operations.

Health test

The technology of the CheckUp-tool consists of software that controls a bi-directional charger. This allows a health test of the battery to be conducted during charging. The data from the battery's control system is analysed to determine the health and specifically the remaining capacity of the battery.

By performing this measurement periodically, it is possible to map the degradation of the battery. This information is useful for improving the deployment and charging of the buses, thereby extending the lifespan of a battery. This has a positive effect on both sustainability and costs.

For now, this is only possible with battery systems of buses and trucks.

Good results trial period

This new method of measurement is currently being tested for a whole year with the 43 electric buses of transport company Arriva Netherlands in Limburg (Maastricht). Although the trial will continue for several more months, it is already clear that the measurements are going well, data is being generated, and the measurement process can be well integrated into the company's operations.

Factors affecting battery lifespan

The Vitalise charging protocol currently applied uses three factors that, according to literature, can affect the health and lifespan of a battery. These factors are the charging speed, the charge level, and the battery temperature during charging. The CheckUp-tool determines the lifespan extension by measuring the buses multiple times throughout the year.

Important improvements

For the first time, it is possible to autonomously and on-demand diagnose batteries on-site during nighttime charging, without disrupting the daytime operation of the buses. Additionally, it is possible to monitor the performance and lifespan of batteries based on the data and subsequently optimise their deployment. This is a significant improvement over the current situation. Until now, a vehicle had to be out of service for some time and partially dismantled for an in-depth analysis of battery quality.

With this new method of measurement, not only does the vehicle remain operational, but all operational data also stays within the company instead of being transferred to a third party.