Availability of an Overhead Contact Line System for the Electrification of Road Freight Transport

Jürgen K. Wilke (), Ferdinand Schöpp, Regina Linke, Laurenz Bremer, Maya Ada Scheyltjens, Niki Buggenhout and Eva Kassens-Noor ()
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Jürgen K. Wilke: Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Ferdinand Schöpp: Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Regina Linke: Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Laurenz Bremer: Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Maya Ada Scheyltjens: Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Niki Buggenhout: Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
Eva Kassens-Noor: Institute of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-14

Abstract: The electrification of road freight transport on highways using an overhead contact line system is being tested in Germany. In this study, we investigated availability of an overhead contact line system based upon unique real-world data gathered in the ELISA field test. Based on our investigation, we anticipate a high system availability in future operations. We concluded that the newness of the system can justify the longest downtimes. To confirm our findings, we first categorized causes of the downtimes. Building upon these data, we analyzed these downtimes, specifically focusing on the longest occurrences as they posed significant barriers to future operation and market implementation. Subsequently, we illustrated how the system’s availability changed when individual causes of downtimes were reduced over time. Our research is paving the way to chart potential future operational scenarios. Our contribution aids decision-makers and all individuals who need to determine whether overhead contact line technology should be employed on highways in the future.

Keywords: availability; OCL; overhead contact line; downtime; ELISA; eHighway; ERS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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