ROAD POWERED ELECTRIC VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY STUDY (SAINTS ROAD PROJECT). VOLUME I: RESEARCH SUMMARY

Volume I of this report presents summary results of a 10-month evaluation of E-TRAN Road Powered Electric Vehicle (RPEV) technology to determine operational safety and system durability/reliability; technology effectiveness; snow and ice removal requirements; and cost effectiveness. Through a series of theoretical and laboratory tests, this evaluation concludes that the E-TRAN RPEV concept remains sound in theory, but as tested under the current design, the system does not yet provide a safe and reliable transportation power alternative. The study addressed some findings of a previous report (No. MN/RC-93/03). However, the system design is still an immature technology under development, and must address significant safety and practical problems. Especially, the system must be made more robust and resistant to stresses and conditions found in a northern public roadway environment. A laboratory test indicated a 46% reduction in energy consumption compared to gasoline power. The E-TRAN RPEV concept holds further promise as a possible solution to the limited range and energy efficiency of battery-powered vehicles. The report identifies several areas for further study and development and also provides recommendations to focus on future development of identified safety and technical design areas. Volume II includes detailed test reports for tests performed, as well as estimates of capital and operating cost comparisons.

• Record URL:
  http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/pdf/1997-07.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • See also MN/RC-97/07, Volume II: Test Reports with Data Sheets, (PB97167357).
• Corporate Authors:

  E-TRAN, Incorporated

  862 West Iowa
  St Paul, MN  United States  55117

  Minnesota Department of Transportation

  395 John Ireland Boulevard
  St Paul, MN  United States  55155
• Authors:
  • Diedrich, E R
  • Dillingham, J
  • Lehn, M
  • Musachio, N
  • Oriani, R A
  • Palmer, J W
  • Shores, D A
  • Thiesse, W F
  • Benson, L
• Publication Date: 1995-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices;
• Pagination: 65 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Capital costs; Cost effectiveness; Costs; Development; Durability; Electric buses; Energy consumption; Future; Intelligent transportation systems; Laboratory tests; Light rail transit; Measures of effectiveness; Operating costs; Operations; Recommendations; Reliability; Research; Safety; Snow and ice control; Theory; Trolleybuses
• Uncontrolled Terms: Effectiveness; Future research; Research and development; Roadway powered electric vehicles
• Old TRIS Terms: Operational readiness
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Energy; Finance; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00737978
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MN/RC-97/07 Volume I, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: 72528
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 20 1997 12:00AM