The story behind one Polish manufacturer’s place in Krakow’s innovative push toward e-mobility public transportation.
What is the QP-001 DC fast charger?
Ekoenegetyka’s first charger can be likened to the little engine that could. Modest in its size, but mighty in its ability to continue charging Krakow’s first battery electric bus. A story that is somewhat analogous to the Ekoenergetyka Poland brand and reputation.
QP-001, the name playing off its serial number, is the first commercial DC charger engineered and manufactured by the Ekoenergetyka team over 10 years ago. What started as a graduate school project morphed into the birth of a European brand.
Quick Details
Model: QP-001
Operating Since: 2012
Power: 120 kW
Where: MPK Depot, Krakow, Poland
Charging Sessions: 6,000+
Today, the QP-001 continues full operation alongside more modern chargers supporting the Municipal Transport Company’s (MPK) newer fleets.
About MPK Krakow
Established in 1882 as a horse tram, the Krakow public transportation system in Poland has transformed into an e-mobility center. Its transition to clean air transportation originated with QP-001 and now functions as a DC fast charging hub for public transit fleets operating within and around the city.
MPK’s charging infrastructure has grown to 51 overnight chargers (55 kW each) and 4 ultra-fast pantograph chargers (400 kW each), including 50 mobile charging stations. Krakow e-mobility revolution now totals 4.4 MW total installed Ekoenergetyka chargers.
MPK’s network includes 26 routes, 168 stops, and sections of reserved alignment. If you want to learn more about MPK Krakow, download this in-depth case study here.
DC Fast Charging for Public Transit
European public transits are lightyears ahead of most US based public transits. Spearheading e-mobility growth for well over a decade, European bus stations have been a breeding ground for public approval and adoption of electric vehicles.
An evolution from QP-001’s roots, Paris, Munich, Warsaw, Barcelona, and many more public transit systems move both locals and tourists seamlessly around their epicenters with support from modern DC Fast Chargers. For the United States, adoption is in its infancy, as only 6,500 battery electric buses (BEBs) are currently in use. That number is expected to continue to grow and maintain the lion’s share of the zero emissions bus (ZEBs) market.
2024 US Electric Bus Market: $1.44B
2030 US Electric Bus Market Forecast: $3.25B
Annual Growth Rate: 14.5% compounded
2023 Plugin Charging Station accounted for 65% of charging
As battery-electric bus fleets expand, reliable and fast charging infrastructure is crucial for fleet managers. Tier 2 chargers lack the necessary speed to meet operational demands, and many lower-specification Tier 3 chargers are also inadequate.
True DC Fast Chargers are essential to support the increasing adoption of electric buses in public transit.
Ideal Modern DC Charger for Public Transit
It all started with one charger, though a lot has changed since the Ekoenergetyka QP-001 was commissioned. Nowadays, an all-in-one 180 kW unit is ideal for bus depots looking to perform scheduled overnight and opportunity charging.
A no frills Axon Easy 180 system without credit card readers or advertisement displays serves all the functions a bus fleet would need. However, in typical European renewables fashion, the continent is shaping how fleet managers operate their chargers, opting for their 180 kW units to come equipped with credit card readers for public use when the buses are not charging.
Something like this may take many years for the United States market to gain comfort, as most bus lots are behind tightly guarded gates. Still something for an innovative municipality to consider, as Americans we love trailblazers.
The Future of Public Transit Fast Charging
Born from the small but mighty charger, QP-001, public transits around the world are continuing the charge toward low-emission fleets. As users continue to evolve, chargers will offer more features and higher kilowatts.
Ekoenergetyka, among other manufacturers, provides high-power charging solutions, including 400 kW and 1 MW split charging, as well as split charging stations with even greater capacity. These advanced systems include features specifically tailored to the operational needs of fleet managers.
Increased utilization and more frequent charging are anticipated outcomes driving innovation. While the e-mobility evolves, it is a safe bet the QP-001 will remain a reliable and key component of Krakow’s e-mobility ecosystem.