ST. LOUIS – Intramotev, which is converting standard freight cars into autonomous rail vehicles, says it has successfully deployed the world’s first self-propelled battery-electric railcar in a traditional freight train.
In what Intramotev called a major step forward for sustainable freight transportation, the company’s ReVolt hopper has run more than 1,000 miles making trips between Iron Senergy’s Cumberland Mine in Waynesburg, Pa., and its Alicia Harbor barge loading terminal.
The 17-mile private line is isolated from the national rail network and is not subject to Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
To charge its batteries, the ReVolt collects energy from braking. The captured and stored electricity is used to power traction motors, essentially turning the car into part of the locomotive consist in a traditional train with an engineer at the controls. The ReVolt helps reduce the train’s fuel consumption.
“We’re excited to deliver the fuel savings and environmental benefits of the ReVolt to our customer Iron Senergy,” Intramotev CEO Tim Luchini said in a statement. “Today’s news marks an important milestone in our work to decarbonize mining and freight transportation, and we’re just getting started.”
Later this year, Intramotev will deploy its locomotive replacement, known as the TugVolt, at a calcium mine in Northern Michigan. The TugVolt can move itself and several cars to provide first and last mile service autonomously.
“We’re thrilled to have partnered with Intramotev to deploy their forward-thinking technology,” Iron Senergy CEO and owner Justin Thompson said in a statement. “We’re always searching for ways to double down on our commitment to innovation and sustainability, and this partnership helps accomplish that in a big way.”
