the invention relates to a contact apparatus and to a charging contact unit for a rapid - charging system for electrically driven vehicles , in particular electric buses or the like , and to a method for forming an electrically conductive connection between a vehicle and a stationary charging station , wherein the contact apparatus serves to form an electrically conductive connection between the vehicle and the stationary charging station comprising a charging contact unit , wherein the contact apparatus can be arranged on a vehicle , wherein the contact apparatus comprises a contact device , wherein the contact device can make contact with the charging contact unit , wherein the contact apparatus or the charging contact unit comprises a positioning device , wherein the contact device can be positioned relative to the charging contact unit by means of the positioning device , wherein the positioning device has a pantograph or a swing arm , by means of which the contact device can be positioned in the vertical direction relative to the charging contact unit , wherein the contact device has a contact element support comprising contact elements , wherein the contact elements can make contact with the charging contact elements of the charging contact unit so as to form contact pairs , wherein the positioning device has a transverse guide , by means of which the contact element support can be positioned transversely relative to the charging contact unit , wherein the transverse guide is arranged at a distal end of the pantograph or of the swing arm .