KIEPE at mobility move 2025: showcasing innovative HPC powertrain and charging infrastructure solutions

•  Enhanced, modular powertrain components for battery electric HPC buses and IMC® electric buses that enables 24/7 operation and increases operational efficiency

• New solution for converting battery-electric buses to IMC® electric buses 

• Modular k.Charger developed for public transport depots: Compact charging systems which require minimal space, emit low noise emissions and are easy to maintain 

   

Düsseldorf, February 24, 2025 - KIEPE, a pioneer in electromobility for rail and bus, will be presenting advanced powertrain components for high-quality electric buses up to 36 meters in length and with a charging capacity of up to 800 kW at mobility move in Berlin, Germany (April 1-3, 2025). The second important innovation being showcased is KIEPE’s modular charging infrastructure solutions for transport and logistics company depots. The modular technology approach simplifies their installation and commissioning effort. Noise emissions are controlled and minimized thanks to the innovative water-based cooling system approach.

Alexander Ketterl, CEO of KIEPE, is looking forward to intensive business talks at mobility move: “In recent years, we have consistently aligned our portfolio with the e-mobility needs of public transport. This applies to our new range of innovative charging systems. As a long-standing partner of transport companies and vehicle manufacturers, we continue to develop state-of-the-art technologies to support our customers in sustainable mobility.”

Powertrain solutions designed to support a modular eBus HPC platform

KIEPE is providing new electrification options for vehicle manufacturers and the public transport sector. Bus designs ranging from 12 to 36 meters in length can be enhanced to a new level of vehicle electrification via high-performance charging. KIEPE is focusing on powertrain components for two vehicle concepts. Firstly, the battery-electric High-Power Charging (HPC) bus with up to 800 kW charging power and secondly, the electric trolley bus, which can cover most routes without overhead lines in battery mode thanks to our innovative In Motion Charging (IMC®) technology. 

The modular eBus HPC platform is equipped with six modules that can be adapted and integrated individually or as a complete system: Traction, Power Distribution, Auxiliary Power Supply (APS), Battery Systems, Charging Systems and Vehicle Control. These components can be tailored to the unique requirements of each customer. KIEPE's key product innovations include:

• KIEPE Traction Inverter (KTI): A traction inverter equipped with advanced machine control for synchronous and asynchronous drives, KIEPE Traction Control and simultaneous fulfillment of the requirements for cyber security, functional safety and ISO safety standard 26262.

• KIEPE Isolating Converter (KIC): A galvanically isolated DC-DC converter that is designed to meet the requirements of an overhead line on the input side and can establish a safe connection between battery bus component technology and the overhead line. By using the KIC as a battery charger, an electric bus can be converted into an IMC® electric bus.

• KIEPE Smart Current Collector (KSC): A current collector for trolley buses that supports semi-automatic wiring with maximum control dynamics.

• Smart Fleet Management (SFM): The AI-based software solution takes over the energy management of entire fleets and extends the service life of batteries.

The KIEPE eBus HPC platform provides flexibility to vehicle manufacturers and the option to augment a standard battery-electric bus with trolley bus IMC® based technology. Only two sub-system components are required here: the KIEPE Isolating Converter (KIC) and our Smart Current Collector (KSC). In this way, OEMs can open new markets and operators can gain new vehicle suppliers.

The High-Power Charging technology impresses with charging capacities of up to 800 kW, charging times of just a few minutes and 24/7 operational flexibility. As a result of the high charging power, the battery capacity on the bus can be optimized, minimizing additional weight. The weight savings allow operators to offer increased passenger capacity, and specific CO₂ consumption is reduced.

Modular k.Charger infrastructure system 

The KIEPE charging infrastructure technology was specially developed to meet the needs of fleet operators in public transport and logistics. With the modular k.Charger system, resource-saving and cost-optimized depot charging infrastructure systems can be implemented. 

Additional advantages of the KIEPE charging infrastructure include, but are not limited to:

• Suitability for use near residential areas: Low noise emissions thanks to our innovative water-cooling based system approach.

• Charged and ready-to-use vehicles at the start of the shift: System redundancies, charging management, remote maintenance, and service friendliness thanks to our compact 19'' modules.

• Use of existing traction power supply: Connection to 750VDC catenary/overhead line or rectifier station.

The k.Charger charging infrastructure adapts to the demanding conditions of existing bus depots or logistics centers and not the other way around.

For Sandro Maciocia, Managing Director of KIEPE Electric Switzerland and Head of the Charging Infrastructure business unit, this solution from KIEPE is a logical step: “Our innovative charging infrastructure products incorporate our decades of experience with onboard charging technology for buses and rail vehicles. We focus on technology and quality and make an important contribution to the mobility transition through the sustainable use of resources.” 

Pilot installations of the k.Charger charging systems with utilizing electric power fed from the overhead line have been set up in St. Gallen (Switzerland) and Erfurt (Germany), for example.

Captions:

(kiepe_mobilitymove_Presse_01) KIEPE offers a modular platform with six modules for the efficient electrification of buses. | © KIEPE

(kiepe_mobilitymove_Presse_02) With k.Charger Depot from KIEPE, public transport companies can charge their e-buses overnight and during off-peak times. | © KIEPE