Kinkisharyo International LLC demonstrated the ameriTRAM — its prototype of the 100 percent low-floor, electro-hybrid streetcar specifically designed for North America — in Dallas on Friday.
ameriTRAM is a 100 percent low-floor streetcar powered by e-Brid, a propulsion technology that enables operation powered by overhead catenary or on-board lithium-ion batteries. e-Brid charges the batteries while running on catenary power and when braking. In battery mode, e-Brid uses the stored electricity to operate at full performance without overhead wires. Depending on conditions, ameriTRAM can run on battery power for up to five miles.
The vehicle was specifically engineered for North America and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Buy America, NFPA-130 and ASME RT-1.