Power supply for battery trains as the key to rail

The discussion about the future of rail transport is no longer just about new vehicles or faster connections. The focus is increasingly on how existing networks can be used more efficiently, cleanly, and flexibly. Battery trains are considered an important component in serving routes that are not yet electrified. The challenge lies less in the vehicle itself than in the energy supply. This is precisely where the approach presented at the trade fair using the example of DB Netze comes in.

Although a significant portion of the German rail network is equipped with overhead lines, a large proportion is still served by diesel trains. Battery trains close this gap by collecting energy on electrified sections and using it on non-electrified routes. The key factor is that recharging can be integrated into the operating process without slowing down traffic or requiring the construction of extensive additional infrastructure.

Battery trains between overhead lines and non-electrified sections

Battery trains differ less from conventional electric multiple units in operation than one might assume at first glance. They also use electricity from the overhead line, but not permanently, rather selectively. Energy is absorbed on electrified sections or at defined points in the station and then stored in the battery. This energy is sufficient to cover the next non-electrified section of track. The advantage of this concept lies in its flexibility. Instead of retrofitting entire sections of track with overhead lines, it is sufficient to equip specific short sections with charging infrastructure. This reduces investment costs and significantly shortens planning and construction times. At the same time, operation remains electric and thus locally emission-free.

Focus on energy supply solutions from DB Netze

DB Netze will be demonstrating at the trade fair how such energy supply solutions can be implemented in practice. The approach is based on existing systems. Trains continue to draw power via pantographs, as they do on conventional overhead line routes. The difference is that the overhead line is only installed over a few hundred meters and is specifically used for charging. These short sections of overhead line are fed from the upstream grid. The electricity is converted into traction current and fed directly into the system. For the train, this does not mean a fundamental change in the system, but rather an extension of the familiar principle. Charging takes place within a few minutes and covers exactly the energy required for the next journey.

Charging infrastructure at stations as a practical approach

Stations are particularly well suited as charging points for battery trains. Trains stop there anyway, passengers get on and off, and operational processes can be bundled. The charging time is therefore not an additional factor, but is integrated into the existing timetable. The technical implementation remains manageable. Instead of kilometers of overhead lines, a short section that is used specifically for this purpose is sufficient. This means high efficiency for ongoing operations. Battery trains do not need to be equipped with oversized storage systems, but only carry as much energy as they actually need. This has a positive effect on weight, energy consumption, and maintenance.

Advantages for operation, the environment, and infrastructure

The combination of battery trains and targeted energy supply brings together several advantages. It combines the strengths of electric traction with the flexibility of battery-supported systems. This opens up new possibilities for operators without having to forego proven technology.

• Reduction of diesel traffic on non-electrified routes
• Use of existing traction current and overhead line technology
• Short charging times without disrupting the timetable
• Lower infrastructure costs compared to full electrification

Battery trains as a building block of the transport transition

In the larger context, battery trains make an important contribution to the transport transition on the railways. They make it possible to extend electric transport to routes that were previously considered economically or technically difficult. At the same time, the system remains compatible with existing networks and operating modes. DB Netze positions itself here as an enabler that not only provides infrastructure but also actively works on new usage concepts. The energy supply solutions shown illustrate that innovation in rail transport often arises from the further development of existing technology. Battery trains are a good example of this. They combine familiar elements such as overhead lines and pantographs with new operating models, thus opening up a realistic path to more electrified transport without having to wait for years-long large-scale projects.