The new urban mobility model embraced by major cities around the world contemplates the choice of more sustainable means of transportation, gradually transforming the way in which their inhabitants move around them. In this context, electromobility is taking a prominent role in this paradigm shift with the growing presence of zero-emission vehicles and sustainable micromobility options, marking a path towards cleaner and more environmentally friendly cities.
Trams that were eliminated from the urban landscape decades ago in many cities are regaining prominence in a surprising way. However, this is not a nostalgic return to the old days but a radical invention of the way trams are integrated into urban transport networks.
An innovative wireless, railless and driverless electric tram technology has emerged as a symbol of the cutting edge in sustainable mobility. This mix of tram, train and bus that does not require rails or cables for its operation is already present in different Chinese cities and will soon be tested outside the territory of the gigantic Asian country. Specifically, in Australia, where in the coming weeks a pilot test will be carried out with a trackless electric tram that will link Stirling, one of the suburbs of Perth, with Scarborough beach on a 7 kilometer route.
This is an initiative by Perth municipal officials that aims to “change the rules of the game” and “encourage citizens to leave their cars and use public transport”, according to what can be read on the Perth City Council website. Australian city. “It is part of our plan to reduce (traffic) congestion, improve access to employment and contribute to urban regeneration,” the note adds.
The final implementation of the wireless tram in Perth will depend on the conclusions of the feasibility studies. For this, the opinion of users will be counted on, who will play a fundamental role in the final configuration of the system, ensuring that it meets the needs and expectations of the local community.
China is a pioneer in putting trackless electric trams into service. This public transport is less invasive than the conventional tram and is much more economical since it is not necessary to build an infrastructure of rails and cables. The time invested in implementing a network of this type is also less.
The China Railway Corporation (CRRC) is the company that designs and manufactures these vehicles halfway between trams, trains and buses. They are known as Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) and their first units entered service in 2017 in the city of Zhunzhou. Later, the ART was extended to other localities, such as Yibin and Xianyang.
Thanks to a sophisticated system of cameras and sensors, such as LiDAR, radar or GPS, the ART is guided through the lines painted on the road. In this way you can modify the route to avoid accidents or to avoid obstacles that you encounter, for example, double-parked cars.
This innovative means of transportation works with internal lithium titanate batteries and its range is approximately 40 kilometers when the batteries are fully charged. In addition, it can recharge part of the batteries in 30 seconds through fast charging at the points installed in the stations, as well as at the end of the line, in just 10 minutes.
The ARTs that operate in China are mainly made up of three carriages, which measure a total of just over 30 meters. Its height is 3.2 meters and width is 2.65 meters. They can transport up to 300 people, although there are versions with 5 cars that can fit 500 occupants.
The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and uses tires instead of traditional rails. Additionally, the cars are not mechanically linked to each other, and the train is bi-directional, meaning it has cabins at both ends that allow it to move in either direction at any time.
Although ARTs have autonomous driving systems, they are currently still used with drivers for safety reasons. However, it is anticipated that in the near future they will operate completely autonomously, as is the case with autonomous taxis offered by some companies.
