Hitachi successfully tested its first battery-powered tram. The testing took place in Florence, Italy.
Traditional tram lines require electrified infrastructure – usually overhead wires supported by poles or pylons – that can be expensive to install and visually unattractive. Battery trams offer the opportunity to run high-capacity public transport through city centers, while saving millions on installing wires and reducing the visual impact on streets.
The trial involves installing battery packs on an existing Hitachi-built Sirio tram, which covered a section of the line under battery power. The innovation allows power to be returned to the batteries when the train brakes, reducing the overall amount of energy consumed and protecting the environment.
This news is the latest in several announcements from the global mobility firm as it expands its sustainability credentials and its zero-carbon offering to its customers around the world. Hitachi recently announced the trial of a battery train in the UK and delivery of hybrid trains in Italy, having built one of the world’s first battery powered train fleets that operates in Japan.
"Our aim is to use our technology and our work to help build a sustainable society and contribute to the well-being of people around the world by improving their quality of life," said Andrea Pepi, head of Sales and Projects, Italy, Hitachi Rail. “This is a key milestone as we pioneer this new technology that allow us to work with our customers to reduce infrastructure costs while still offering environmentally-friendly public transport. We hope this successful trial in Italy creates new opportunities for us across the world.”
"We are happy that Hitachi Rail has chosen the tramway in Florence to test this innovation,” said Florence Mayor Dario Nardella. “Battery-powered trams can revolutionize this type of service within cities. Public transport, especially in historic centers, will have to be less impactful and increasingly sustainable. This marks another significant step forward for the tramways in Florence."
