Case Study: Railcare achieves zero-emission, low-noise railway maintenance with Northvolt batteries and Epiroc electric drivetrain technology

Battery-powered and silent the future of railway maintenance arrives

The customer, Railcare, a Swedish manufacturer of railway maintenance equipment, aimed to transition its operations from diesel-powered machinery to a zero-emission solution. Their challenge was to redesign their Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) to eliminate emissions while also significantly reducing noise pollution for urban and tunnel environments. This initiative was enabled with an electric drivetrain technology platform from Epiroc and batteries supplied by the vendor, Northvolt.

Northvolt provided the battery systems that powered the new electric MPV. The solution resulted in the world's first and largest battery-operated rail vehicle, which produces zero emissions. A key measurable result was a major reduction in noise, from approximately 85 dB for a diesel machine to a level where normal conversation is possible nearby. Northvolt also developed customized software to manage the battery packs, contributing to a cleaner, quieter future for railway maintenance.

Railcare

Ulf Marklund

CEO and Operations Manager