Germany has paved the way for new technology as it opens the first “eHighway” in the world. The electric highway will let trucks draw power from overhead cables. The road, expected to serve the electric-train, is under testing until 2022.
The new electric highway was first introduced on a 9km-long stretch of road near Frankfurt. The German government calls the new programme Elisa (electrified innovative heavy traffic on the Autobahn). It is a government and environment-sponsored project. It involves the ministry in the state of Hesse and electronics company, Siemens.
The electronic trucks have conductor rods called pantographs which they add to the top of the cabin. The trucks must be going less than 96km/h to successfully make a connection. Once connected, the trucks begin to run on electricity alone. When they join the highway, they switch back to hybrid engines.
Siemens said the technology could save a 40-ton truck €20,000 in fuel cost for a 100,000 km trip. They also argue that the system can be integrated into existing road infrastructure as a practical way to reduce energy consumption and reduce emissions in areas without railways.
Germany opens eHighway
On Tuesday, 7th May 2019, the electric road opened, linking Frankfurt airport with a nearby industrial park. Two more eHighways will open up soon. The German government has so far spent €70 million to develop trucks that can use the system.
According to the International Transport Forum, truck transportation is the fastest growing source of oil demand in the world.
State secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment Rita Schwarzelühr-Sutter said, “Electrified trucks are a particularly efficient solution on the road to carbon-neutral transportation.” The Paris Climate Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Slashing carbon emissions from transportation is a key part of the 2015 agreement reached.
After Germany, Sweden and the United States are already testing the eHighway technology. Tesla will also unveil an electric car. Do you think Nigeria is ready?