Metra buying battery-powered trainsets
Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2024 2:55 pm
https://metra.com/newsroom/metra-buying ... -trainsets
The contract with Stadler U.S., of Salt Lake City, Utah, includes a $154 million base order for eight two-car, battery-powered trainsets, including engineering, training, and spare parts, with options costing up to an additional $181.4 million for eight more trainsets and up to 32 trailer cars, which could be added to the two-car trainsets to create three- or four-car trainsets.
A fully charged trainset is expected to have a range of 45 to 65 miles. Charging time will vary, but going from a 20 percent charge to 80 percent ā enough for the trainset to operate ā is expected to take about 20 to 30 minutes. The exact charging infrastructure and its cost is yet to be determined.
Metra plans to introduce the trainsets between LaSalle St. and Blue Island on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line, a distance of 16.4 miles.