Seattle's Inekon battery tram arrives

摘要

Following testing in the Czech Republic, a prototype Inekon low-floor tram with off-wire capabilities has been delivered to Seattle prior to testing on the First Hall line where it will enter service later in 2015. The bi-directional three-section tram is fitted with lithium-ion Saft batteries and claims a capability of running for 16km (ten miles) without overhead wires. When operating on the First Hill line, the tram - part of a seven-car order worth USD30m - will be powered by onboard energy storage on each inbound trip from Capitol Hill to Pioneer Square (4km/2.5 miles), with regenerative braking charging the batteries. On the outbound return journey a conventional overhead contact system will provide traction power.