Utah State University’s ASPIRE Engineering Research Center along with Swiss-based company Stadler are looking to develop and test the first battery-powered passenger train in North America, according to a USU news release.
Utah State University’s ASPIRE Engineering Research Center along with Swiss-based company Stadler are looking to develop and test the first battery-powered passenger train in North America, according to a USU news release.
Utah State University’s ASPIRE Engineering Research Center is partnering with Swiss-based train manufacturing company Stadler to develop and test the first battery-powered passenger train in North America.
Last month, the university announced the goal of the project is to develop and build a battery-powered, single-decker, lightweight, two-car train set called FLIRT, or the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train. FLIRT is the solution for routes without end-to-end overhead electric infrastructure, according to the announcement, with emission free travel and longer routes.
According to director of ASPIRE Engineering Research Center, Regan Zane, if FLIRT is successful, it will chart the path to electrified commuter and light rail systems along the Wasatch Front.
“Success will bring design and manufacturing jobs to Utah,” Zane said in the announcement. “The battery-electric train solution will improve air quality and reduce operating costs while supporting shared charging infrastructure with trucks, buses and cars.”
According to the announcement, Stadler’s focus is on the design and build of the train set itself, while USU will focus on charging infrastructure, workforce development and the potential impact in Utah. Tests will take place at Stadler’s facility in Salt Lake City.
This is the first time Stadler has introduced the battery FLIRT to the United States market, said the announcement, which requires expansive research and development to adapt the vehicle to U.S. infrastructure and regulations.
“With little to no electrified routes in the North American public rail transit system, a battery train is a great zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered vehicles,” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US, Inc.. “After a contract for a hydrogen-powered FLIRT for California, we are now excited to bring a battery solution to the United States to add to our zero-emission product line.”
ASPIRE was awarded legislative funding to achieve workforce development, economic impact and to improve air quality, said the announcement.
“The Utah Legislature is committed to developing strong public-private partnerships like this that result in innovative solutions to critical issues facing our state.” Mike Schultz, majority leader of the Utah House of Representatives, said in the announcement. “We are thrilled to be partners in this project and look forward to its success.”
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