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Press Release31 August 2021Siemens Mobility GmbHMunich
Siemens Mobility battery hybrid operated streetcars enter revenue service in Charlotte, North Carolina
“We are delighted to once again partner with Charlotte to help them meet their growing mobility needs by delivering our market leading streetcar platform that incorporates the most innovative and intelligent technologies available,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “Sustainable transportation is one of the most important features for growing cities. Our battery hybrid vehicles provide CATS and its passengers with an energy efficient mobility solution that not only improves the overall availability of transportation, but also offers a comfortable ride and enhanced passenger experience.”
Each streetcar features a hybrid wireless technology allowing the vehicle to run both on and off-wire via an Onboard Energy Storage System (OESS). The OESS includes an expandable and modular design that can be updated as battery technology evolves. The battery-storage and energy-saving technology was first demonstrated in San Diego and allows the battery to recharge when the vehicle is connected to the overhead catenary system. The vehicles operate at speeds up to 25 mph and are capable of carrying nearly 195 passengers.
The new streetcars also include features
that enhance the overall riding experience such as large passenger windows for
increased visibility, improved passenger safety through an interior
surveillance system, and an unobstructed floor concept that allows more space
for bicycle storage and wheelchairs. In addition, the operational performance
enhancements of the new streetcars include traffic light preemption, a
pedestrian-friendly front mask and an automatic passenger counter with enhanced
3D infrared sensor technology.
The streetcars
were ordered in late 2016 when the Charlotte City Council chose Siemens
Mobility to build six new S700 Streetcars for the Charlotte Area Transit System
(CATS), the public transit system operated across Mecklenburg County and four
other surrounding counties in North Carolina. The vehicles were built at the Siemens Mobility rail
manufacturing hub in Sacramento, California and all have been delivered.
The streetcars for Charlotte run on the
second phase of the CityLYNX Gold Line, replacing the legacy green and yellow
trolleys currently in operation. The new phase adds 2.5 miles to the Gold Line,
expanding it to 4 miles in length and adding 11 new stops.
CATS is one of more than 35 agencies across
the United States benefiting from Siemens Mobility’s portfolio of rail
vehicles, locomotives, components, and automation systems. American cities also
rely on Siemens to provide traction-power substations
and electricity transmission, as well as signaling and control technology for
freight and passenger rail and transit systems.
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in transport solutions for more than 160 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio in its core areas of rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, turnkey systems, intelligent traffic systems as well as related services. With digitalization, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €9.1 billion and had around 38,500 employees worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility.