The technology involves flash-charging batteries at certain bus stops for 20 seconds, i.e. the time it usually takes to pick up or set down passengers. An articulated mechanical arm mounted on the roof of the bus is equipped with a laser sensor that automatically connects to the feeding station, making the process virtually instantaneous (less than a second). At the end of the line, it takes between four to five minutes to fully recharge the battery.
As the feeding stations are spread over the network, the bus can regularly top up its battery to cover long distances and increase its operating range, giving it an unlimited daily autonomy.
TOSA also stands out due to the innovativeness of its partnership. It was born out of an exemplary public-private partnership between Geneva’s public transport operator (TPG), the Office for the Promotion of Industries and Technologies (OPI), the ‘Services industriels de Genève’ public institution (SIG), ABB Sécheron SA and the Canton of Geneva.