Lithion, a vertically integrated manufacturer of cells and rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery modules and packs, has announced that it has retrofitted Vivarail's Pop-Up Metro railcars with its Valence battery modules.
The original concept for Pop-Up Metro UK was a battery-powered, modular train that can easily be integrated into any existing rail infrastructure in any metropolitan region.
Vivarail's train was the first battery-powered train in series production in Europe, and this latest train is believed to be the first lithium iron phosphate powered train in operation in the US. The inherent benefits of battery power in rail applications are set to grow in North America and globally.
The team behind Pop-Up Metro and Vivarail look forward to demonstrating battery-powered trains to customers across the US, including public transportation systems that are considering adding rail-based options, adding to existing services and incorporating the next generation of trains; or private developers who may incorporate rail into their projects.
Henry Posner III, Chairman, Railroad Development Corporation, expressing his vision for a rail-based mass transit system in the United States, said, 'A lot of urban areas in this country have underutilised freight lines that could also support transit service. People might not have considered these opportunities because it's been perceived as too expensive, too lengthy and too risky. With Pop-Up Metro, you can do that project quickly on a demonstration basis.'