Siemens eHighway

The energy supply system is based on proven technology from the world of railroad electrification. The two-pole catenary system ensures a reliable energy supply for the eHighway truck. The catenary system leads to a level contact wire that enables stable current transmission, even at high speeds. The overhead contact lines are supplied with energy from substations equipped with:

• Medium voltage switchgear
• Power transformers
• Rectifiers

Controlled inverters (for feedback of the electric energy generated by the vehicles’ regenerative braking).

The active pantograph transmits the energy from the overhead contact lines to the electric motor of the eHighway truck. The pantograph can be easily connected to and disconnected from the contact wire at speeds  ranging from 0 to 90 km/h. This is done either automatically or manually at the push of a button. Steering an eHighway truck connected to the overhead contact lines is no different to driving a diesel truck, as the active pantograph compensates for any shifts in position within the lane. The pantograph automatically disconnects in the event of evasive maneuvers or if the  indicators are used.

On electrified routes, the electric motors in eHighway trucks are powered via the overhead contact lines and the active pantograph. For remaining sections of road, the eHighway truck has a hybrid drive. There are no restrictions on the type of hybrid drive: depending on the application and customer requirements, serial and parallel concepts with internal combustion engines, battery solutions, fuel cells etc. can all be implemented. The electric motors of the eHighway trucks also enable recovery of the vehicle’s braking energy.

• Installation of an overhead contact line system for electrified freight transport on a ten-kilometer stretch of autobahn for the customer Hessen Mobil
• eHighway is built on the public A5 federal autobahn between Weiterstadt and Langen/Mörfelden
• Field testing of the eHighway system up to 2022, together with research partner TU Darmstadt and provider entega
• Scania supplying five overhead line hybrid trucks for this project, with a total of 15 being provided for German field testing

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