Siemens Mobility recently delivered six battery-hybrid S700 streetcars to the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
The streetcars will run wirelessly in the city’s central business district. Each runs both on and off-wire via an Onboard Energy Storage System (OESS). The batteries recharge when the vehicle is connected to the overhead catenary system.
The streetcars are capable of carrying nearly 195 passengers and operate at speeds up to 25 mph.
They bring the total number of Siemens Mobility vehicles operated by CATS to 48. They replace trolleys currently in operation.
“We are delighted to once again partner with Charlotte to help them meet their growing mobility needs by delivering our market leading streetcar platform that incorporates the most innovative and intelligent technologies available,” Michael Peter, Siemens Mobility CEO, said. “Sustainable transportation is one of the most important features for growing cities. Our battery hybrid vehicles provide CATS and its passengers with an energy efficient mobility solution that not only improves the overall availability of transportation, but also offers a comfortable ride and enhanced passenger experience.”
Charlotte City Council selected Siemens Mobility in 2016 to build the streetcars for CATS.
The vehicles were built in Sacramento, Calif.
More than 35 agencies nationwide use Siemens Mobility vehicles.