Siemens Mobility Battery Hybrid Streetcars Enter Revenue Service in Charlotte

Rhea-AI Summary

Siemens Mobility's S700 streetcars began operating in Charlotte on August 21, 2021. These modern vehicles use innovative hybrid technology, allowing for both wired and wireless operation while maintaining sustainability. Manufactured in Sacramento, CA, the S700 fleet replaces outdated trolleys and expands the CityLYNX Gold Line by 2.5 miles. With features like enhanced safety systems and spacious design, these streetcars can carry up to 195 passengers and achieve speeds of 25 mph. The deployment marks a significant upgrade for urban transit, benefiting CATS and its riders.

Positive

• S700 streetcars entered revenue service on August 21, 2021.
• Innovative hybrid technology allows for wireless operation, enhancing urban transit.
• The fleet replaces outdated trolleys, improving service capacity and reliability.
• Expansion of CityLYNX Gold Line adds 2.5 miles and 11 new stops, enhancing connectivity.
• Streetcars designed with safety features, large windows, and accessibility options for riders.

Negative

• None.

• Innovative battery technology allows for hybrid operation on or off-wire
• Sustainable technology preserves city’s historic district
• S700s were manufactured in Sacramento, CA

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The latest S700 streetcars from Siemens Mobility entered revenue service for the Charlotte Area Transit system on August 21, 2021. Designed with advanced hybrid technology that features an innovative battery storage system, these new streetcars will run wirelessly through the heart of uptown, maintaining a catenary-free zone in the city’s central business district, while offering all the same sustainability benefits as when operating with overhead wires.

“We’re thrilled to bring state-of-the-art modern streetcar vehicles to Charlotte,” said CATS CEO John Lewis. “The overall design, amenities and technology will provide a first-class experience for our riders and community members.”

“Charlotte is a leader in urban transportation planning. From connecting people to opportunities throughout different neighborhoods of the metropolitan area to preserving its historic center by implementing innovative technology, the city is a model for others around the United States,” said Michael Cahill, President of Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock, North America. “Siemens Mobility is thrilled to see the new streetcars for Charlotte enter revenue service as they provide riders with the industry’s most modern streetcar.”

The streetcars for Charlotte will run on the second phase of the CityLYNX Gold Line, replacing the legacy green and yellow trolleys currently in operation. The new phase will add 2.5 miles to the Gold Line, expanding it to 4 miles in length and adding 11 new stops. The six new S700 streetcars join Charlotte’s current light rail fleet of 42 S70 light rail vehicles, bringing the total number of Siemens Mobility vehicles to 48 for CATS. The six S700 vehicles ordered by Charlotte in 2016 have all have been delivered.

Each streetcar features a hybrid wireless technology allowing the vehicle to run both on and off-wire via an Onboard Energy Storage System (OESS). The OESS includes an expandable and modular design that can be updated as our battery technology evolves. Good for the environment, this energy-saving battery technology recharges when connected to catenary. When running on-wire, the streetcars are electrically powered from an overhead catenary system. The battery-storage technology being implemented on the CATS streetcar was first demonstrated in San Diego, achieving a Guinness Book of World Record for the longest distance traveled by a battery-powered tram from one charge in 24 hours. The vehicles will operate at speeds up to 25 mph and are capable of carrying nearly 195 passengers.

The new streetcars also include features that enhance the overall riding experience such as large passenger windows for increased visibility, improved passenger safety through an interior surveillance system, and an unobstructed floor concept that allows more space for bicycle storage and wheelchairs. The operational performance enhancements of the new streetcars include traffic light preemption, a pedestrian-friendly front mask and an automatic passenger counter with enhanced 3D infrared sensor technology.

The streetcars were ordered in late 2016 when the Charlotte City Council chose Siemens Mobility to build six new S700 Streetcars for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), the public transit system operated across Mecklenburg County and four other surrounding counties.

“On behalf of the 4,000 Siemens Mobility employees in the U.S., we are proud to be a close partner with Charlotte Area Transit System as we’ve worked together to design, develop and manufacture these new streetcars,” said Cahill.

CATS joins the more than 35 agencies across the country benefiting from Siemens Mobility’s portfolio of rail vehicles, locomotives, components and automation systems. American cities also rely on Siemens to provide traction-power substations and electricity transmission, as well as signaling and control technology for freight and passenger rail and transit systems.

The S700 Streetcars for Charlotte are Buy America compliant and built at the Siemens Mobility rail manufacturing hub in Sacramento, California. Powered by the California sun with two megawatts of solar energy and 2,100 employees, the facility has been in operation for 30 years.

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For further information about Siemens Mobility, please see: www.siemens.com/mobility

Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in transport solutions for more than 160 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio in its core areas of rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, turnkey systems, intelligent traffic systems as well as related services. With digitalization, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €9.1 billion and had around 38,500 employees worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210831005676/en/

Contact for journalists

Kara Evanko

Phone: 202-285-3072; E-mail: kara.evanko@siemens.com

Source: Siemens Mobility

FAQ

When did the S700 streetcars enter service for the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)?

The S700 streetcars entered revenue service for CATS on August 21, 2021.

What technology do the S700 streetcars use?

The S700 streetcars utilize innovative hybrid technology that allows them to operate on or off-wire.

Where were the S700 streetcars manufactured?

The S700 streetcars were manufactured in Sacramento, CA.

How many new stops will be added to the CityLYNX Gold Line with the new streetcars?

The new fleet will add 11 new stops to the CityLYNX Gold Line.

What is the passenger capacity of the S700 streetcars?

Each S700 streetcar can carry nearly 195 passengers.