Siemens eHighway Trucks are Powered by Overhead Electrical Wires
Sarah Moore — May 24, 2012 — Autos
References: mobility.siemens & gizmag
It's no secret that massive commercial vehicles barreling down the road churn out a great deal of road pollution, and the Siemens eHighway initiative is testing a new type of truck that would run on electricity -- but not in the way one would think.
Using the overhead electrical power line system that works successfully in trams and railway cars, the company has come up with a half-electric, half-diesel hybrid vehicle that can easily switch between the two power sources.
When driving along on a roadway where power lines exist, the truck automatically expels a pantograph from the roof and links up to the overhead wires. When the truck shifts onto a highway where no lines are available for use, the vehicle's internal system retracts the connector and switches to an efficient, low-emission motor.
This truck is really redefining the term "smart car."
Using the overhead electrical power line system that works successfully in trams and railway cars, the company has come up with a half-electric, half-diesel hybrid vehicle that can easily switch between the two power sources.
When driving along on a roadway where power lines exist, the truck automatically expels a pantograph from the roof and links up to the overhead wires. When the truck shifts onto a highway where no lines are available for use, the vehicle's internal system retracts the connector and switches to an efficient, low-emission motor.
This truck is really redefining the term "smart car."
Trend Themes
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Electric-diesel Vehicle Hybrids — There is an opportunity to develop more eco-friendly hybrid vehicles that can switch between internal combustion engines and electrical power sources.
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Infrastructure-integrated Transportation — There is an opportunity to integrate existing infrastructure, such as overhead power lines, into transportation systems to increase their efficiency and decrease their environmental impact.
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Intelligent Transportation Systems — There is an opportunity to use technology to create more advanced and efficient transportation systems, including vehicles that can automatically connect to overhead power lines.
Industry Implications
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Transportation — The transportation industry can explore the development and implementation of hybrid vehicles with infrastructure integration for more eco-friendly and efficient transport options.
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Energy — The energy industry can examine ways to repurpose existing power grid infrastructure, such as overhead power lines, to be used in intelligent transportation systems.
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Automotive — The automotive industry can explore the development of hybrid vehicles with advanced features, including the ability to automatically connect to overhead power lines for a more efficient and eco-friendly driving experience.
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