The Prototype Battery-Powered Electric Locomotive in the Development of EV for Trains
The government has the policy to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs) so that Thailand can reduce greenhouse gasses by 20-25% by the year 2030. It will focus on using environmentally friendly, renewable energy instead of carbon-based fuel in the country's transportation system, including the modern automotive industry (“next-generation automotive”), which is one of the ten industries that the government supports in order to accommodate changes in trade competition, environmental protection, and the reduction of pollution, dust content with PM 2.5, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as maximizing energy efficiency.
The Ministry of Transport has a policy to encourage the use of electric vehicles in the country. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) was assigned to study the use of electric vehicle technology for public transportation. In the case of electric-powered trains (EV on Train), it aims to build locomotives equipped with batteries that can be driven by electric systems.
SRT cooperated with King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) and the private sector to produce electric locomotives using batteries. It is the first EV on Train prototype in Thailand. It started testing battery-powered locomotives to tow the bus train at the central station of Bangkok Apiwat. The train can be towed from the central station Bangkok Apiwat to the station platform on the second floor to reduce pollution. It can do it twelve times per charge, and it takes only about one hour to fully charge the battery.
If fully charged, such locomotives can pull passenger trains 150-200 kilometers and save 40% of energy costs, compared with conventional diesel locomotives.
They will be tested for close distances, such as suburban passenger trains, distances of 30-50 kilometers, and longer distances, such as cross-country journeys, distances of 100-200 kilometers, as well as freight trains from ICD Lat Krabang to Laem Pier.
In 2023, SRT plans to assemble three additional locomotives, including four prototype ones.
In addition, 50 diesel-electric locomotives have been procured. Twenty diesel locomotives were delivered in 2022, and 30 will be delivered by 2023. At the same time, electric battery charging points have been installed at Bang Sue Station and will be gradually installed at other stations.
Source: Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, 38 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, Somanus Subdistrict, Pomprab District, Sattru Phai District, Bangkok 10100
Tel. +66 2283 3000
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