Powering the Future in Valparaíso: Chile’s Most Advanced Electric Bus Charging Hub Sets a New National Standard

Project Summary

DHEMAX set a new benchmark for Chilean public transport electrification with the Placilla Charging Center, delivering cutting-edge technology and rapid execution. The project marked Chile’s first use of Split DC technology, replacing traditional chargers with modular systems that dynamically distribute power across 36 charging points for maximum efficiency and flexibility. An innovative open-plan layout with covered charging arcs and a custom hoisting system of 24 elevated connector arms—managed through DHEMAX’s proprietary CMS—ensures safe, streamlined operations and optimal space use across the 5,200 m² site.

The Trolebuses Placilla Charging Center project, launched in 2022 under Chile’s Electric Mobility Promotion Program, aimed to expand regional electromobility. In 2023, Trolebuses de Chile secured government funding and a contract with the Ministry of Transport and Communications to develop the Valparaíso facility. DHEMAX collaborated with Trolebuses de Chile to design an optimized charging infrastructure plan tailored to site power constraints and operational needs.

DHEMAX’s intelligent charging management plan balances limited power availability while minimizing costs and guaranteeing readiness for 44 buses. Completing the entire project in under six months, DHEMAX demonstrated exceptional technical leadership, precision planning, and execution—delivering one of Chile’s most advanced piece of electric mobility infrastructure.

Key Challenges

Power Restriction – The site had power availability of only 1.1 MW between 23:00 and 6:00, with the rest of the day limited to less than 350 kW. This required DHEMAX to design a sophisticated charging schedule that maximized nighttime charging while enabling limited opportunity charging during the day.
Operational Restrictions – DHEMAX conducted iterative scenario analysis considering energy restrictions, physical constraints, and DTPR requirements. The final charging plan minimizes power usage costs and maximizes charging infrastructure utilization while meeting regulatory requirements.
Space Restriction – The project required accommodating 44 buses, support infrastructure (offices, washing, maintenance), and charging infrastructure on a site of approximately 5,200 m² gross. DHEMAX innovative open-plan design with overhead charging dispensers maximized space efficiency.
Time Constraint – The charging center had to be operational in time for the start of bus service, as established in the contract between Trolebuses and the MTT. DHEMAX delivered the complete project in less than 6 months.

Timeline

2022

Project presentation to Regional Public Transport Division (DTPR) as part of Electric Mobility Promotion Program.
Feb/ 2023

Funding allocation – Contract signed between Trolebuses de Chile and Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTT).
Mar/ 2023

Decree 22 issued by MTT. DHEMAX begins conceptual design optimization.
Dec/ 2023

Decree 22 approved by Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR).
2024

Construction phase – Less than 6 months from groundbreaking to operational status.
2024

Commissioning and start of operations.

The DHEMAX Solution

DHEMAX delivered a comprehensive 360-degree solution that encompassed design optimization, construction, commissioning, and ongoing operation. The solution demonstrates DHEMAX ability to overcome complex technical challenges through innovative engineering and integrated project management.

Innovative Technology Selection – DHEMAX transitioned from traditional stand-alone chargers used in all previous projects to state-of-the-art Split DC technology, making this the first deployment of its kind in Chile for public transport. Split DC chargers separate the AC/DC transformation modules (housed in Power Cabinets) from the dispensers, allowing flexible power distribution across multiple charging points. This modular approach enables dynamic power allocation during charging rounds, maximizing efficiency and operational flexibility.

Optimized Open-Plan Design – DHEMAX designed an innovative open-plan layout with covered charging arcs (charging canopies) that maximizes the use of available space. The design accommodates 44 buses, support facilities, and 36 charging points within the 5,200 m² site while maintaining efficient vehicle flow in a single direction, eliminating time-consuming reverse maneuvers.

Custom Hoisting System – To enable the open-plan design, DHEMAX designed and provided a custom hoisting system consisting of 24 arms that support the elevation of charging connectors. This system is controlled through DHEMAX proprietary CMS and includes beacon indicators showing the status of each dispenser. The overhead design ensures safe and efficient operation while optimizing space utilization.

Intelligent Charging Management – DHEMAX developed an optimized charging plan through iterative scenario analysis that considers power restrictions, operational requirements, and DTPR regulations. The plan minimizes power costs by maximizing nighttime charging (when 1.1 MW is available) while enabling limited opportunity charging during the day (when only 350 kW is available). The DHEMAX CMS coordinates all charging activities to ensure buses are ready for service while avoiding power peaks.

Fast-Track Construction – DHEMAX managed the complete construction process, delivering the operational charging center in less than 6 months. This rapid deployment required careful coordination of design, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities to meet the contract deadline for bus service commencement.

Key Results

First Split DC Deployment: First use of Split DC charging technology for public transport in Chile.
Optimized Space Utilization: 44 buses, 36 charging points, and support facilities accommodated in 4,600 m².
Rapid Deployment: Complete design, construction, and commissioning in less than 6 months.
Innovative Hoisting System: 24 custom-designed arms enabling overhead charging in an open-plan layout.
Power Optimization: Intelligent charging plan maximizes use of nighttime power availability while enabling daytime opportunity charging.
Operational Efficiency: Single-direction vehicle flow eliminates reverse maneuvers, improving safety and speed.
Comprehensive 360° Solution: DHEMAX provided design, construction, commissioning, and ongoing operation services.
Regulatory Compliance: Full compliance with MTT contract requirements and DTPR operational standards.

Who Was Involved

DHEMAX– A specialized consultancy with deep expertise in electric mobility, charging infrastructure, and electroterminal operations. It delivered comprehensive 360° services—covering optimized design, construction management, commissioning, and ongoing operation of the charging center—and developed both the innovative overhead hoisting system and the proprietary Charging Management System (CMS) that controls the entire operation.
Trolebuses de Chile – The electric bus operator responsible for providing urban passenger public transport services in Valparaíso, Chile. Trolebuses de Chile operates a fleet of 44 electric buses and is committed to sustainable public transportation.
Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTT) – The Chilean government agency responsible for transportation policy and funding. The MTT provided subsidy funding through the Electric Mobility Promotion Program.
Regional Public Transport Division (DTPR) – The regional authority responsible for public transport oversight and operational requirements in the Valparaíso region.
Starcharge – Chinese charging technology provider of the Triton Split Charging System, featuring modular power cabinets and dispensers that enable flexible power distribution.

Lessons Learned

Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach

An integrated approach considering broader multidisciplinary perspectives generates optimal solutions. It is vital to understand boundary conditions from the outset and the degrees of freedom available, so that an expert professional team can design an effective solution. DHEMAX ability to consider technical, operational, regulatory, and spatial constraints simultaneously enabled the successful delivery of this complex project.
Experience-Based Design Decisions

Design decisions based on experience and data allow overcoming operational and space restrictions. DHEMAX extensive experience in electric mobility enabled the identification of Split DC technology as the optimal solution, even though it had not been previously deployed in Chile for public transport.
Modular Technology Maximizes Efficiency

Modular technology, such as Power Cabinets, dispensers, and the hoisting system designed by DHEMAX, is fundamental to maximizing efficiency. The modular approach provides operational flexibility, simplifies maintenance, and enables future expansion if needed.
Custom Solutions for Unique Challenges

The open-plan design required the development of peripheral devices for controlling the location of charging connectors. DHEMAX responded by designing and providing a custom hoisting system, demonstrating the importance of engineering capabilities that go beyond off-the-shelf solutions.

Project Summary

Key Challenges

Timeline

2022

Feb/ 2023

Mar/ 2023

Dec/ 2023

2024

2024

The DHEMAX Solution

Key Results

Who Was Involved

Lessons Learned

Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach

Experience-Based Design Decisions

Modular Technology Maximizes Efficiency

Custom Solutions for Unique Challenges

Further Reading

We value your privacy