ElectromobilityStarting signal for the first 'eHighway' in Germany
Trucks with pantographs are to drive on the A5 in real traffic for the first time from 2019. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the test route in Hesse is the first on public roads in Germany. However, hauliers are still reluctant.
In the follow-up project Enuba 2, Siemens entered into a partnership with the Swedish company Scania. The focus is on the optimized integration of drive technology and pantographs into the vehicle as well as the provision of the necessary traffic control systems. To this end, an extended test track was put into operation in Groß Dölln, north of Berlin, which is adapted to the conditions of real operation. The route was given a curve that can be negotiated at speeds of up to 90 km/h with an overhead line adapted to the curve. A sign gantry and cantilever arm with traffic signs, which are common on long-distance roads, were also installed. Because the overhead line has to be installed at a safe distance below the traffic signs, the catenary and suspension cable were lowered so that the pantograph can maintain contact throughout, even at full speed.