May 31, 2012 –Braunschweig, Germany (Techreleased) – Bombardier Transportation today presented a new application of its game-changing BOMBARDIER PRIMOVE solution to selected guests and media. The PRIMOVE system, which has been installed in a pilot demonstration area of the Augsburg tram network in Germany, transfers power contactlessly without the use of any overhead wires. In addition, Bombardier today revealed testing of the PRIMOVE solution on a passenger van, using the same technology.
Simultaneously, the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development announced funding for an electric bus project in the city of Braunschweig, Germany, where Bombardier will apply its emission-free PRIMOVEsolution in partnership with the local transport operator Braunschweiger Verkehrs-AG. This initiative represents Bombardier’s first PRIMOVE bus project for passenger operation and marks a significant leap forward in bringing clean e-mobility solutions to urban areas.
Based on the principle of inductive power transfer, Bombardier’s innovative PRIMOVE technology allows electric vehicles to be recharged either in motion (dynamic charging) or at rest (static charging) without affecting driving habits or journey times. The system transfers energy at very high levels of efficiency without compromising on performance and can significantly reduce energy consumption when combined with an onboard energy storage solution. By eliminating the overhead cables and other wires previously needed to power electric vehicles, mass transit networks can now blend in effortlessly with their surroundings. City landmarks, parks and heritage sites are left intact and the overall attractiveness of the city is thereby enhanced.
André Navarri, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Transportation shared the company’s vision of e-mobility at today’s event: “As a global leader in rail technology, we have a bright vision for the cities of tomorrow. We imagine cities where all vehicles are electric – where mass transit vehicles do not alter the landscape but seamlessly integrate to provide quiet and emission-free urban mobility. And most importantly, we create e-mobility for all types of electric vehicles: trams, buses, cars, trucks, taxis. As you can see here in Augsburg today, this is not just a vision, we are already making it happen.”
Rainer Bomba, State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development added: “Electric mobility, transport planning and urban development have to be viewed together. Today already, we have mastered technologies for a smart and sustainable city of the future. It is now our task to bring these technologies into the market. The results of the trials in Augsburg clearly show that the technology is now ready for daily operations. I am glad to hand over the funding letter for the first line application of the PRIMOVE technology in Braunschweig today. We are interested to learn how a common infrastructure will be used by buses and other users such as taxis or delivery vehicles. We expect that the results will give us an important insight in the development of infrastructures and incentives for an accelerated introduction of electric vehicles into the transportation system.”
About the PRIMOVE pilot project in Augsburg
In September 2010, Bombardier Transportation, in cooperation with the Augsburg Transport Authority (Stadtwerke Augsburg Verkehrs-GmbH) and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development, installed the contactless and catenary-freePRIMOVE system for trams on a section of the existing Line 3 to the exhibition grounds. One bi-directional Bombardier low-floor tram has been fitted with two PRIMOVE power receivers (pick-up coils) to capture the inductive power transferred from cable segments laid between the rails and beneath the ground. Inverters along the track wayside are connected to a 750 Vdc power supply network. Simulating regular operations in an urban environment, the pilot demonstration proved the system’s exceptional reliability under all environmental conditions as well as full compliance with all applicable codes and standards for electromagnetic compatibility. Bombardier is supported by TÜV SÜD and other external assessors in this effort. Recently, the first automotive prototype has also been equipped with PRIMOVE technology to undergo a series of performance tests on the Augsburg track as well as at Bombardier’s new Centre of Excellence for electric mobility technology in Mannheim, Germany.
About the PRIMOVE project in Braunschweig
As of June 2012, Bombardier will cooperate with the city of Braunschweig and the local operator Braunschweiger Verkehrs-AG to turn a sectionof the bus network into an eco-friendly electric route. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development. The programme is scheduled to begin immediately with two buses operating withPRIMOVE technology on a 12 km route.
About additional PRIMOVE projects
PRIMOVE technology is being applied in various locations in Germany and beyond: From 2008 until 2009, a first prototype underwent extensive testing at the Bombardier site in Bautzen, Germany. A low-floor tram and a test track were equipped with the PRIMOVE components to test the system’s performance across a range of typical operating conditions. Since 2011, Bombardier, together with other leading industrial partners and universities, is participating in the Flanders` DRIVE research project for the inductive charging of electric vehicles in Belgium, which is co-funded by the Flemish government. A 125 m section of public road in the city of Lommel and a Van Hool bus have been equipped with PRIMOVE technology and both a bus and car are undergoing tests.
Recently, Bombardier opened its dedicated Centre of Excellence in Mannheim to support partnerships, projects and opportunities in the fast-moving e-mobility sector. The centre hosts a complete power test-lab set-up for all vehicle applications. Additionally, Bombardier has acquired several vehicles to conduct independent testing under real-life conditions.
About Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation, a global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany and has a very diverse customer base with products or services in more than 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.
