Intramotev, a technology company specializing in developing autonomous and zero-emission rail solutions, has been awarded a $200,000 grant from Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification to support the deployment of three TugVolt self-propelled battery-electric railcars at a mining site in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in late 2023.
This investment marks the first deployment in the world of self-propelled battery-electric railcars for commercial use in a freight rail operation. The technology’s initial intended use is for captive routes between mines and processing facilities, as well as within plants and ports.
“We envision a future where freight can move itself without waiting for a locomotive, making the system more efficient and environmentally friendly,” said Intramotev CEO Timothy Luchini, PhD, in a statement.
Intramotev’s suite of products, including TugVolt, ReVolt, and automated safety systems, aims to address the lack of growth in the rail industry, with shipment certainty being the primary element.
Intramotev’s technology also aims to help meet the Federal Railroad Administration’s Climate Challenge by reducing railway diesel emissions, relieving congested and polluted roadways, and offering reduced operational costs and increased safety.
Source: PRESS RELEASE
Image Source: Intramotev