The future of electric rail is likely to come from battery power. Battery-powered electric trains will soon be more widespread throughout Europe. Battery power is electric propulsion solution that offers long-range electric cars and an energy density that is improved in its longevity through a lithium-ion battery pack. These trains can go along specialty roads were electric lines would not be possible. Only around 40% of the tracks in countries like Germany for example are electrified and having access to a battery-powered train could expand the capabilities of electric trains in an area where the lines would not be able to reach.

In the example of Germany this will add 20 2 car battery trains that will be rolled out fairly soon each one of them operating over 30 years. When we consider the amount of emissions that a train that is burning diesel would produce along these lines, lithium-ion is an excellent inclusion to a country like Germany.

The latest round of electric chains on battery will be delivered in June of 2023. As lithium ion battery packs improve in their efficiency and reliability, we will also likely see a series of improvements alongside the quality of battery powered electric trains as well.

The basic idea behind these types of trains is simple. When the train reaches into a space where there are no overhead lines or third rail, the battery power will take over and then recharges soon as the train reaches a place where it is powered again. This sustainability and the improvements to emissions are substantial in these lines.

If you’d like to learn more about battery-powered electric trains and their future, follow us for more. We will be following this latest technology closely to provide new safety features and electrical  equipment in this field.

This post was written by Justin Tidd, Director at https://www.swartzengineering.com. For nearly a half a century, Swartz Engineering has been at the forefront of industry safety. They are a family-owned company specializing in power distribution for the electrical industry. Our design ensures maximum flexibility for excellent reliability and a high return on investment.