Hybrid streetcar to show off in Charlotte
Written by Douglas John BowenKinkisharyo International, LLC said Nov. 30, 2010 that its prototype LFX-300, a 100% low-floor, dual-powered, “hybrid” streetcar specifically designed for North America, will arrive in the U.S. in mid-December for testing, with a public unveiling in Charlotte, N.C., in January 2011.
The LFX-300 (shown at left) subsequently will also appear in Dallas, and Kinkisharyo is in discussion with officials from other cities also interested in hosting the LFX-300 for display or demonstration. The company says it welcomes inquiries from transit authorities across the country also interested in displaying the LFX-300 in their local markets.
The LFX-300 is propelled by either overhead electric catenaryor on-board battery power. In battery-powered mode, it uses electricity stored from regenerative braking and by charging the batteries while running on catenary, minimizing total power consumption. As an electric hybrid vehicle, it does not emit fumes that contribute to smog and greenhouse gasses. The LFX-300 has been specifically designed for North America and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Buy America, and NFPA-130.
“We are thrilled to be on schedule with the introduction of our LFX-300 to the U.S. market. We are confident that our completely low floor, dual-powered hybrid streetcar will be well received by transportation officials, city planners, and riders alike,” said Rainer Hombach, vice president and general manager of Kinkisharyo International. “We appreciate the cooperation from the City of Charlotte and members of the Charlotte Area Transit System as we continue our work leading up to our official unveiling in January.”
Kinkisharyo, says Hombach, is touting the LFX-300 as “the ideal streetcar for downtown and historic areas, particularly those with preservation or aestheticrequirements where overhead catenary power is not feasible.”
