Thinking of buying an EV?

[skinner75]

Speaking of EVs...
https://electrek.co/2025/06/21/fortescue-infinity-train-electric-locomotive-never-needs-fuel-or-charging/

[Broithe]

1 hour ago, skinner75 said:

Speaking of EVs...
https://electrek.co/2025/06/21/fortescue-infinity-train-electric-locomotive-never-needs-fuel-or-charging/

If you're moving the heavy cargo downhill and returning an empty train back up, then you can use the potential energy of the extra mass of the cargo travelling down to charge the batteries enough to return the lighter empty train back up - if you get the numbers right.

[Broithe]

38 minutes ago, Broithe said:

If you're moving the heavy cargo downhill and returning an empty train back up, then you can use the potential energy of the extra mass of the cargo travelling down to charge the batteries enough to return the lighter empty train back up - if you get the numbers right.

It's the same sort of thing as the water-powered cliff elevators* do. Fill up the tank on the one at the top, use the excess weight to pull the lighter car at the bottom back up, after if has emptied it's tank, allowing for the difference in passenger weights in each car - and repeat with the two cars in sequences, as often as the water supply will allow you to.

The difference with the train here is that the energy from lowering the weight is being stored in a battery, rather than dragging another empty train back up, via a cable, as the heavier one comes down, then using that stored energy to drive the train back up. And the whole thing is just a lot bigger - in every way.

*I think the one in Bridgnorth operates this way.

[skinner75]

5 minutes ago, Broithe said:

It's the same sort of thing as the water-powered cliff elevators* do. Fill up the tank on the one at the top, use the excess weight to pull the lighter car at the bottom back up, after if has emptied it's tank, allowing for the difference in passenger weights in each car - and repeat with the two cars in sequences, as often as the water supply will allow you to.

The difference with the train here is that the energy from lowering the weight is being stored in a battery, rather than dragging another empty train back up, via a cable, as the heavier one comes down, then using that stored energy to drive the train back up. And the whole thing is just a lot bigger - in every way.

*I think the one in Bridgnorth operates this way.

Inclined Plane is the term with respect to railway wagons linked by cable, isn't it?