eHighway

eHighway The Siemens’ eHighway makes it possible to reduce the use of fossil fuels and truck operating costs, at the same time eliminating local emissions such as CO2 and nitrogen oxides. The eHighway system is applicable for various use cases.

eHighway for high frequency shuttle transport

Shuttle transport

Heavily-used truck routes, for example from ports to freight and distribution centers, are often a burden on the environment. In these situations, the eHighway system produces a significant reduction in pollutant and CO₂ emissions. At the same time, the economic benefits of the system are felt particularly quickly on these high-use routes.

Solution for high frequency shuttle transport over short and medium distances (< 50 km), i.e. in ports or industrial areas
Lower fuel consumption and longer lifetime
Reduction of air and noise pollution

eHighway for electrified mine transport

Electrified freight transport in mines

The eHighway is an ideal way to connect pits and mines with warehouses, transshipment points or processing plants. The economic benefits of the eHighway system can be easily calculated on the basis of transport volumes. At the same time, the eHighway system significantly reduces environmental pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

Connection of pits and mines to storage or transit locations
Minimization of harmful emissions
Sustainable, clean and economical mine operation

eHighway for electrified long-haul traffic

Electrified long-haul traffic

The eHighway system is based on a safe and proven infrastructure to provide a continuous energy supply to heavy commercial vehicles. It can be integrated and operated within the existing road infrastructure without significant effort and combines the efficiency of electrified railroads with the flexibility of trucks, halving energy consumption while maintaining full mobility. The eHighway system enables trucks to use renewable energy and can contribute significantly to reducing CO₂ emissions. Both the ecological and economic advantages of the eHighway system grow with increased use of the route.

Economical and sustainable alternative for road freight transport
Significant reduction of CO₂ emissions
Substantial cost savings for freight carriers

How eHighway works

Energy supply

The energy supply system is based on proven technology from the world of railroad electrification. The two-pole catenary system ensures a reliable energy supply for the eHighway truck. The catenary system leads to a level contact wire that enables stable current transmission, even at high speeds. The overhead contact lines are supplied with energy from substations equipped with:

Medium voltage switchgear
Power transformers
Rectifiers

Controlled inverters (for feedback of the electric energy generated by the vehicles’ regenerative braking).

Pantograph

The active pantograph transmits the energy from the overhead contact lines to the electric motor of the eHighway truck. The pantograph can be easily connected to and disconnected from the contact wire at speeds ranging from 0 to 90 km/h. This is done either automatically or manually at the push of a button. Steering an eHighway truck connected to the overhead contact lines is no different to driving a diesel truck, as the active pantograph compensates for any shifts in position within the lane. The pantograph automatically disconnects in the event of evasive maneuvers or if the indicators are used.

Hybrid drive

On electrified routes, the electric motors in eHighway trucks are powered via the overhead contact lines and the active pantograph. For remaining sections of road, the eHighway truck has a hybrid drive. There are no restrictions on the type of hybrid drive: depending on the application and customer requirements, serial and parallel concepts with internal combustion engines, battery solutions, fuel cells etc. can all be implemented. The electric motors of the eHighway trucks also enable recovery of the vehicle’s braking energy.

eHighway. Benefits and highlights:

Innovative freight traffic solution
Combines efficiency of electified railroads with flexibility of trucks
Economical and environmentally friendly
Applicable for various use cases: Shuttle transport, Electrified freight transport in mines, Electrified long-haul traffic
Consists of three core elements: the energy supply, the pantograph, and hybrid drive technology

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References The eHighway system is twice as efficient as conventional internal combustion engines. The Siemens innovation supplies trucks with power from an overhead contact line – and is already used in Sweden and the USA.

Scania trucks

Sweden

Siemens builds first eHighway in Sweden

Two kilometer demonstration on a public road between industry centre and port for two years
Overall aim is to evaluate Electric Road System options prior to introduction on road network
Cooperation with Scania trucks

Volvo trucks

USA

USA – Port Application

One mile demonstration as connection to near-dock rail terminals for cargo vehicles for at least half a year
Primary goal is to promote the implementation of zero emission goods movement technologies
Cooperation with Volvo trucks and local truck converter