With climate change and population increases, cities are feeling the pressure to rethink their transportation networks and availability of mass transit. Despite ridership dips during the pandemic, many cities are pushing forward with investments that will help them be more livable in the future.
Earlier this year, the latest S700 streetcar from Siemens Mobility entered revenue service in Charlotte, N.C. It was specially designed to run wirelessly through the heart of Uptown, maintaining a catenary-free zone in the city’s central business district. The advanced hybrid battery technology offers the same sustainability benefits as when operating with overhead wires.
The secret behind the new technology is an Onboard Energy Storage System (OESS), a hybrid wireless technology. When running on-wire, the streetcars are electrically powered from an overhead catenary system like most light-rail systems in the country. But when running off-wire, the streetcars run entirely off stored-battery power, with no effect on the vehicles speed or passenger capacity. Great for the environment, this energy-saving battery technology recharges when connected to catenary.
The first of its kind from Siemens Mobility, this innovative new technology was introduced on the Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar, which opened for passenger service Aug. 30, 2021.
Continuing a relationship that began in 2005 with CATS’ initial order of light-rail vehicles, and now four orders later, these two organizations have worked together for the past 16 years to design, develop and manufacture a total of 48 vehicles for the transit system.
“Charlotte is a leader in urban transportation. From connecting people to opportunities throughout different neighborhoods of the metropolitan area, to preserving its historic center by implementing innovative sustainable technology, the city is a model for others around the United States,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock, North America. “We are proud to grow our partnership with the Charlotte Area Transit System as it provides riders with the industry’s most modern streetcar.”
Since delivering its first light-rail vehicle to an American customer in 1981, Siemens Mobility has contributed to the power of connection, jobs and investment in American cities with its eight manufacturing facilities, nearly 4,000 employees and more than 2,000 suppliers across the United States.
With a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rail and transit investment, Siemens Mobility and its innovative solutions are ready to transform rail technology for the next generation, making cities more sustainable, more livable and easier to navigate as they reemerge from the pandemic.
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Kara Evanko is the head of Communications for Siemens Mobility in North America. She oversees internal and external communications that represents the 4,000 North American Siemens Mobility employees across eight manufacturing facilities that deliver #AmericanMade transportation solutions to more than 35 transit agencies across the United States.
Kara Evanko | Head of Communications, Siemens Mobility, North America
Kara Evanko is the Head of Communications for Siemens Mobility in North America. She oversees internal and external communications that represents the 4,000 North American Siemens Mobility employees across eight manufacturing facilities that deliver #AmericanMade transportation solutions to more than 35 transit agencies across the United States.
