All light rail vehicles in Canberra Metro's fleet have now been successfully fitted with onboard energy storage systems.
This fleet-wide upgrade will enable battery-powered, wire-free travel between Alinga Street and Commonwealth Park and the future extension of light rail through the National Triangle.
Delivered entirely within the ACT, it marks the first time the technology has been retrofit onto Light Rail Vehicles within Australia.
Building specialist skills in Canberra's workforce strengthens our economy and boosts capability for future stages of Light Rail. It demonstrates the Government's commitment to creating skilled jobs and supporting local industry.
Fourteen existing light rail vehicles were retrofitted over as part of the staged rollout. Each vehicle was taken out of service, fitted with batteries, and underwent rigorous testing before returning to passenger operations. Extensive testing and trials have demonstrated that the vehicles can operate safely and smoothly in all conditions.
The fleet has also been expanded by the delivery of five new light rail vehicles manufactured by CAF, pre-fitted with the onboard energy systems and have been delivering services on the current network.
The onboard energy storage systems, which includes batteries, control electronics and thermal management systems, charges while on wired sections of track and also captures energy through regenerative braking.
With high-capacity storage of up to 140 kWh and continuous recharging, they can reliably power wire-free journeys through the city and beyond.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Chris Steel:
"This is critical milestone for the extension of light rail network to the Southside of our city.
"The onboard energy systems will ensure our light rail vehicles can move reliably through wire free sections of the line on Stage 2a and 2b across Commonwealth Bridge and on to Hopetoun Circuit.
"This technology will reduce the impacts on sensitive national areas by removing the need and space for lineside poles and wires, preserving the heritage views along Commonwealth Avenue and around Parliament.
"We're proud to have delivered this fleet upgrade right here in Canberra with a locally based workforce, supporting the skills needed for future expansion of the light rail fleet."
