While this is the first of such public tests
on Germany roads, similar tests have been carried out in parts of Sweden and in
the United States, especially near port areas. Siemens claims that this type of
network can help save close to 20,000 Euros in fuel costs for every one lakh
kilometres travelled by the big rig trucks. Of course, lower emissions from
these trucks – which have higher pollutant levels as compared to passenger cars
– will also help reduce air pollution.
The hybrid and electric
vehicles designed to use these electrified roads will also be equipped with an
array of sensors that will sense overhead electric lines and automatically
raise the pantograph mounted on top of the truck cabin to draw power from the
grid. While this is the first of such setups in Germany, there are two similar
electrified highways being planned for the near future, both of which will be
co-developed by the German government in collaboration with Siemens.While such
electrified roads are still a ways away in terms of a global acceptance, the
basic concept is not a new one.
In fact, a very similar system was used by the
BEST for public transport decades ago using buses made by Skoda (pictured
above). These buses also had a pantograph mounted up top, which helped them
draw power from the tram lines that were in use in Mumbai (or erstwhile Bombay)
in the past. The buses were also fitted with a small internal battery pack in
case of outages or emergencies. That being said, with road transport of goods
by trucks being one of the lifelines of India, having our own electrified lane
on long distance expressways might most certainly be an idea worth exploring,
once again.
