The world’s first electric road

This will lead to much development for the entire county, and many other counties are interested and are coming here to take a look, said Eva Lindberg, Chairperson for the regional authorities.

The new installation ensures Region Gävleborg a leading position in the field of climate change. This inauguration is a chance for those interested, to listen to panel discussion, meet project partners, participate in the exhibition and witness Minister of Infrastructure Anna Johansson take the first drive on the E16 Electric Road in a hybrid truck.

“I am incredibly proud of our success with Project E16 Electric Road, and now we are really at the forefront of the work on climate and environment. The E16 Electric Road is a symbol of environmental care, quality of life, cooperation and innovation”, said Eva Lindberg.

Magnus Ernström has been in charge of Region Gävleborg’s investment in the E16 Electric Road: “I look forward to the inauguration; this is where it begins. Now we know it’s possible to construct such facilities on public roads, and it is time to study how vehicles and facilities react to the weather conditions and normal traffic. Of course, the E16 Electric Road will be useful for both industry and companies seeking to maintain a climate friendly business fleet, independent of fossil fuel,” he said.

Inauguration of the E16 Electric Road Time: 22^nd June, 2016, 11.00 - 16.00

Place: Sandbacka Park, Spångvägen 10 in Sandviken

Facts about the E16 Electric Road: 
The section is 2km long.

• The purpose of the section is to perform a two year test of how the facility functions under normal traffic conditions and different weather conditions.
• The goal of the E16 Electric Road is to develop knowledge, experience and the background needed for a decision to electrify larger heavy transport roads in Sweden.
• The project will be carried out with 35 partners. Region Gävleborg is responsible for the project, which is financed by a total of 77m SEK, from Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and the Swedish Transport Department, as well as a total of 48m SEK from Siemens, Scania and the business community.
• During the test period, Scania trucks with hybrid power trains will drive on the section.
• Electric road transport reduces fossil fuel emissions by 80-90%.

How does it work?

• The electric road is equipped with overhead cables above the road, about the same type as those used to power electric trams. A pantograph above the roof of the trucks feeds electricity to the vehicle’s electric engine, and it can be connected or disconnected from the contact wire when the vehicle changes lanes or overtakes. The vehicle works as a perfectly normal truck.
• The pantograph on the roof of the truck folds up to the poles that carry the electric wires, and the engine automatically switches to electric power. When the truck leaves the electrified section, it automatically switches back to the diesel engine, which runs on renewable fuel.