Internet Explorer, Chrome Browser, Firefox Browser, Safari Browser
Press Release08 November 2017MobilityMunich
Siemens demonstrates first eHighway system in the U.S.
Infographic: Siemens eHighway demonstration in California
Heavy-duty trucks are the number one source of smog-forming emissions in Southern California. Developing a zero- or near-zero goods movement system in the ports will reduce smog-forming, toxic and greenhouse gas emissions in communities around the ports, which are some of the most heavily impacted by air pollution.
"This project will help us evaluate the feasibility of a zero-emission cargo movement system using overhead catenary wires," said Wayne Nastri, SCAQMD's executive officer. "This demonstration could lead to the deployment of eHighway systems that will reduce pollution and benefit public health for residents living near the ports."
"Every day, Americans rely on the goods and services that are carried by freight. This mode of transportation is predicted to double global CO2 emissions by 2050", said Roland Edel, Chief Technology Officer of Siemens Mobility Division, "our eHighway technology has the capacity to double efficiency in comparison to regular diesel-powered trucks. This in turn cuts energy consumption in two and reduces local air pollution around America's largest harbors."
A battery-electric truck, a natural gas-augmented electric truck and a diesel-hybrid truck are now driving on a one-mile catenary system on the north- and south-bound lanes of South Alameda Street from East Lomita Boulevard to the Dominguez Channel in Carson. The system is expected to lower fossil fuel consumption, reduce truck operating costs, substantially reduce smog-forming, toxic and CO2 emissions, and help accommodate the growing reliance on freight transportation.
The aim of this specific project is to demonstrate the eHighway system applied in truck operation on public roads in the U.S. and to further prepare applications for larger scale initiatives in the future.
The demonstration system, similar to trolley systems or streetcars, features an overhead contact line that makes power available to trucks along the road and an active pantograph located on top of the eHighway trucks that transfers energy from the overhead lines to the truck's electric motors. The pantograph can connect and disconnect automatically with the contact line via a sensor system while the trucks are moving giving them the same flexibility as conventional diesel trucks. This allows the trucks to easily switch lanes or pass other vehicles without being permanently fixed to the overhead systems like a streetcar. To further ensure the same flexibility as conventional trucks, eHighway vehicles use an electric hybrid drive system, which can be powered either by diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), battery or other on-board energy sources, when driving outside of the catenary lines.
In June 2016, Siemens launched the world's first eHighway system on public roads in Sweden. It is running on a two-kilometer section of the E16 highway north of Stockholm through 2018. Two bio-diesel-hybrid vehicles are being used for the project.
In addition, three field trials of the eHighway technology on German highways are planned to start operation in 2019.
The USD 13.5 million project in California is funded by USD 2.5 million from SCAQMD, as well as USD 4 million from a settlement with China Shipping, USD 3 million from the California Energy Commission, USD 2 million from the Port of Long Beach and USD 2 million from LA Metro. In addition, Siemens provided a USD 1.3 million in-kind contribution. SCAQMD is providing an additional USD 2.1 million and the US EPA is providing USD 500K for the TransPower contract.
Under a separate contract with SCAQMD, the natural gas hybrid and electric trucks have been developed by Escondido-based TransPower and the diesel hybrid was developed by Volvo's subsidiary, Mack Trucks.
This press release and further material is available at www.siemens.com/press/ehighway
For this press release
@SiemensMobility
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for 170 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world's largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
Contact
Stefan Wagner
Siemens AG
Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 1
80333 Munich
Germany
80333 Munich
Germany
+49 (89) 636-21561
Eva Haupenthal
Siemens AG
Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 1
80333 Munich
Germany
80333 Munich
Germany
+49 (89) 636-24421