New trams being developed by Lohr Industries will switch between electric and battery power. While overhead electrical wires will power the trams through most of their trips, municipal codes in some Italian cities prevent building the structures to support the wires. Therefore, the Translohr trams will run on battery power when going through historic areas.
The batteries are stored in the roof of the vehicle and also serve as backup power for the doors and radio. Anyone who has ever taken the electrified Muni in cities like San Francisco has probably endured frequent disruptions when the guide wires were disconnected, so a backup battery to keep the heat and lights working would be great.
This makes sense on many levels: providing access to areas where you don't want to hang wires, no emissions, and the almost constant electricity source means the batteries will be full most of the time. There are hybrid trolleys under consideration in the United States, but they are not pervasive."
Via Wired Autopia blog
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