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VOLTTAP fast-charging station for battery trains

The system solution for fast charging on the tracks

A blue and white Stadler train is stationed on a railway track with a sign for Pfaffnau in the background. To the right, there's a Voltap charging station for electric trains. Trees and a clear sky complete the scenic backdrop.

VOLTTAP, our fast-charging station for battery trains, is the result of a pioneering development and collaboration between Furrer+Frey and Stadtwerke Tübingen (Germany) and helps to bridge a vital gap in local rail passenger transport.

This innovative technology makes it possible to charge battery trains without electronic converters during standing time and at stops away from the traction current network, thereby significantly extending ranges and possibilities for use. The fast-charging station for battery trains – also known as “battery electrical multiple units” (BEMUs) – offers a cost-effective, cross-manufacturer-compatible and CO2-neutral alternative to conventional diesel multiple units (DMUs) on routes without overhead lines.

Our VOLTTAP fast-charging station effectively supports the decarbonisation of rail transport thanks to low investment costs compared to traditional overhead contact line systems and high grid compatibility. It aids the process of mobility transition by accelerating the replacement of fossil fuels.

Simplicity and efficiency are the key innovative aspects of our fast-charging station. By using the 50-hertz power supply via the pantograph we have been able to significantly reduce complexity compared to previous methods. This innovative approach minimises the need for extensive adaptations – no adaptations are necessary on 50-hertz vehicles, while on 16.7-hertz vehicles a minor adaptation of the converter software is sufficient. Our VOLTTAP fast-charging station is specially designed for the requirements of AC vehicles.

Careful selection of industrial standards and components guarantees durability and high reliability at relatively low cost and low network load.

The flexibility of VOLTTAP allows it to be used along routes as a fast-charging station as well as in sidings and workshops, and on marshalling yards and dock lines. This solution represents an effective replacement for diesel locomotives.

An overview of the key technical features

Technical features
  • Charging station with customised transformer
  • Division of charging points to allow for simultaneous charging of up to six vehicles
  • Can be used when vehicle is stationary or stabled
  • High economic efficiency due to low losses and elimination of frequency converters from an infrastructure perspective
  • Significantly reduced lifetime costs thanks to minimised industrial design and the absence of short-lived semiconductors
  • Simplified handling thanks to charging via pantograph
  • Sector coupling (e.g. with battery bus) possible as an additional extension
Charging station
Supply from medium-voltage grid10 kV to 30 kV
Charging capacity regulated by the trainup to 1.2 MVA per charging point
Power electronics in charging stationnot required
Remote monitoring and switchingoptional, as per customer requirements
Dimensions of transformer station with
switchgear		8 m (L) × 3 m (W) × 3 m (H)
Charging voltage at train pantograph15 kV or 25 kV
Overhead contact line system
Conductor railFurrer+Frey system
Charging current while stationary80 A per pantograph
Maximum conductor temperature90 °C
Support spacing7–15 m
Conductor rail cross-section2,100 mm²
Conductor rail length per charging point30 m, or as per project requirements
Conductor rail materialaluminium alloy
Suitable contact wireEN50149 with 100–150 mm²
Weight of conductor rail without contact
wire		approx. 6.1 kg/m
Features of use
  • Convenient and safe fast charging at route ends or a suitable location along the route
  • Stabling, workshop
  • Marshalling and dockyard operations
  • Charging via pantograph
  • No cable or plug solution needed
  • No personnel on the track
  • Cutting-edge technology, as verified by TÜV Süd certification
  • Spare parts supply and technical maintenance
  • Visual adaptation of overhead line system masts to meet on-site requirements
  • Ein blau-weisser Stadler FLIRT steht am Bahnhof Pfaffingen. Links sind der Bahnsteig und das Bahnhofsschild zu sehen. Im Vordergrund steht eine weisse VOLTAP-Elektroeinheit neben den Gleisen. Im Hintergrund sind Bäume und Wolken zu sehen.
  • Ein moderner Zug in weiß-blauer Lackierung mit der Aufschrift „FLIRT“ steht auf den Gleisen. Über ihm sind elektrische Leitungen mit dem Zug verbunden. Das Wetter scheint bewölkt mit dunklem Himmel, und im Hintergrund sind Gebäude und ein Strommast zu sehen.
  • A modern, white and yellow regional train operated by bwegt stands at the Pfäffingen train station platform. The train is under an electrified rail system with power lines and poles visible above. In the background, there is a clear sky and some greenery.
  • Close-up of a train pantograph connected to an overhead power line against a clear blue sky. The pantograph, mounted on the roof of the train, reaches up to the power supply structure, highlighting the connection and electrical components.
  • A modern passenger train labeled "SWEG" is stopped on the tracks under a clear sky. The train has yellow and black accents with a bicycle symbol and an "Ökostrom" label, indicating eco-friendly energy use. Overhead cables and power equipment are visible above the train.

You can find out more about VOLTTAP in Germany at volttap.de.

Please contact our E-Mobility team leader for more information about our fast-charging station.
Contact us
Philipp Gerber
Philipp Gerber
Teamleiter E-Mobility
pgerber@furrerfrey.ch
To our E-Mobility services