Aachen Rail Shuttle: Autonomous Battery Rail Bus Prototype Unveiled

The Institute of Rail Transport and Transport Systems IFS from Aachen presented a prototype of the Aachen Rail Shuttle (ARS) battery rail bus at InnoTrans, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Development began in 2020 and aims to create an alternative to traditional trains for low-traffic lines.

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The ARS can operate autonomously with 10-15 minute intervals, making it suitable for routes with low traffic intensity.

The bus is 13.5 meters long, and its modular design allows for easy adaptation to various operating conditions.

The chassis with drive and traction batteries was developed in collaboration with Schaeffler and Knorr-Bremse. The body, created by LBBZ, a company specializing in laser cutting, comes in several versions: with and without a driver’s cab, including the possibility of autonomous operation.

A freight modification is also being considered.

Similar light rail battery vehicles are being developed in France under the leadership of the national carrier SNCF, highlighting the growing trend toward eco-friendly and autonomous solutions in rail transport.

Photo: Railcolornews, IFS

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