Germany
The first test route for electric trucks powered by an overhead line opened on a German highway earlier this month, backed by a group of government agencies and private-sector partners, including Siemens Mobility GmbH. Using the same catenary technology that powers public transit bus trolley lines or light-rail train cars, hybrid trucks on the route connect to an overhead power line via a roof-mounted pantograph.
The overhead line powers the electric motor and charges onboard batteries when the truck is connected to the line. When the truck leaves the overhead line, it can operate on battery power or with its diesel engine. Trucks will operate on a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) stretch of the A5 autobahn between Frankfurt and Darmstadt in the German state of Hesse.
By mid-2020, five trucks operated by multiple shipping companies will make several trips daily on the test track.
Innovation themes: Catenary technology that powers E-trucks, operate on a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) stretch, overhead line powers the electric motor and charges onboard batteries.
.png){kind=icon}
Relevant for.png){kind=icon}
Innovation sector
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable transport
Core sciences & engineering
University researcher
Corporate researcher
Startup or entrepreneur
Solution provider
.png)
Innovation Insights