Bombardier's battery powered tram completes test

Rail technology company Bombardier Transportation has successfully completed a 41.6 km catenary-free test run using a Bombardier-built tram, powered entirely by its Primove battery in combination with Bombardier Mitrac. The test run was conducted in the German city of Mannheim on the Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr (RNV) network. RNV began using SuperCaps energy storage systems in 2009 and has integrated this technology into 30 of their trams. This provided sufficient energy for short CFO distances. However, the l
November 5, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Rail technology company 513 Bombardier Transportation has successfully completed a 41.6 km catenary-free test run using a Bombardier-built tram, powered entirely by its Primove battery in combination with Bombardier Mitrac. The test run was conducted in the German city of Mannheim on the Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr (RNV) network.

RNV began using SuperCaps energy storage systems in 2009 and has integrated this technology into 30 of their trams. This provided sufficient energy for short CFO distances. However, the latest generation of Bombardier's Primove battery system has been specifically developed for use with CFO where greater distances need to be covered.

The Primove battery and Mitrac propulsion equipment combination has been in successful revenue service on the Hexi line in Nanjing, China since August 2014. Six trams operate without overhead cables on 90 per cent of the lines. The batteries are charged seamlessly during passenger service via the pantograph, statically at tram stops, and dynamically during acceleration. On this demanding route, the CFO propulsion system has proven its suitability for almost any tram line worldwide.

Related Content

  • February 3, 2012
    South Africa's first multi-lane free-flow tolling top of the line
    Kapsch's Kjell Arnesson talks about the first multi-lane free-flow tolling project in South Africa. In South Africa, installation is ongoing as part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) of the country's first Multi-Lane Free-Flow (MLFF) tolling system.
    Read More
  • January 9, 2018
    Authorities switch on to all electric buses as costs tumble
    Alan Dron looks at changes in bus propulsion as cities look to improve air quality and seek to reduce maintenance costs. Despite the ending of various incentives to adopt alternative fuels, the introduction of electric buses by US transit authorities is picking up speed as performance improves, costs drop and air quality considerations become increasingly significant. More US bus manufacturers are introducing zero-emission models and some recent contracts will see many more passengers getting their first
    Read More
  • January 14, 2013
    New approach to data handling aids development of smarter cities
    David Crawford has been to the Irish capital to see a potent memorandum of understanding at work. An imaginative collaboration between the world’s largest IT company and one of Europe’s smaller capital cities is demonstrating a new approach to data handling that could have far reaching implications for urban public transport worldwide. A close working relationship between IBM and Dublin City Council (DCC) dates from 2010.
    Read More
  • January 4, 2017
    Siemens to modernise metro line in Peru
    Siemens is to provide the complete traction power supply for the first section of metro line 1 in Lima, which covers around nine kilometres. The modern power supply, upgrading of existing overhead contact line system and modifications to electrification in the depots will increase both the availability and the cost-effectiveness of the rail route. The upgrade will be carried out during ongoing operation. Lima's first metro line was completed in 2011, covering around 21 kilometres. The line connects the s
    Read More

Highlighted Content