Parallel Systems to build autonomous electric rail vehicles

Parallel Systems to build autonomous electric rail vehicles

Parallel Systems has raised $49.55 million in Series A funds to build autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles that move freight. The company says the funds will be used to build a fleet of rail vehicles, execute testing programs and grow the team, and that it has raised $53.15 million to date, including $3.6 million in seed funds.

Parallel’s patent-pending vehicle architecture combines software and hardware with the historic rail industry to increase the utilization of today’s railroads, Parallel Systems says. The company’s autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles load and transport standard shipping containers as a single or double stacked load. The railcars, which are individually powered, can join together to form “platoons” or split off to multiple destinations while en route. The railroad’s closed network is ideal for the safe and early commercialization of autonomous technology due to limited track access and centralized traffic control.

The company says the rail vehicles are more flexible than traditional trains. Unlike traditional freight trains, Parallel’s platoons do not need to accumulate large quantities of freight to make service economical, which Parallel says enables more responsive service and a wider range of routes. This dramatically reduces the waiting times associated with loading trains that are miles long. The system can support service at a range of distances, from across a city to across the country.

Parallel’s unique architecture will also bypass congested switching yards, which are historically used to manually sort and reassemble freight onto secondary trains. The company says near-continuous flow of containers through terminals results in greater asset utilization, faster delivery times, and higher quality of service.

You May Also Like

NACFE discusses real-world commercial applications for BEVs

Mike Roeth, executive director of NACFE, advised to keep an open mind with realistic expectations about BEVs.

NACFE-stock

In a recent newsletter, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) asked readers to keep an open mind when it comes to real-world commercial applications for BEVs. Mike Roeth, executive director of NACFE, alluded to Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, explaining that having additional vehicle options drives competition and benefits fleets, but widespread adoption of BEV tech is still hindered by major issues, which present learning opportunities.

Volvo Cars reports electric, hybrid vehicle sales increased by 18%

In the US, sales of cars with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain grew by 6% compared to February 2023.

Volvo-Cars-EV-sales
Motiv Power Systems delivers five electric step vans to Shasta Linen Supply

Shasta said it has already driven 9,600 miles and reduced an estimated 15,800 pounds of tailpipe emissions and saved $4,800 on fuel costs.

Shasta-Linen-Working
Lucid debuts European vehicles at the Geneva Motor International Show

The Californian EV company also revealed expanded service offerings and an updated portfolio of its Air lineup.

Lucid_Air_Pure
JATO Dynamics’ data reveals European BEV market share fell in January

BEVs took just 12% of the total market share for Europe in January this year, marking the lowest levels recorded for new registrations since January 2023.

EV-charging-generic-SAE-consortium-1400

Other Posts

StoreDot tests battery cells to perform in cold conditions

Recent tests revealed that StoreDot’s silicon battery cells reach 80% capacity when charged at -10°C (14°F) with standard charging speed.

StoreDot-extreme-fast-charging-EV-batteries
GM to provide Southern Company with Hydrotec fuel cell-powered trucks

GM is sending its trucks to Southern Company to demonstrate real-life applications of fuel cells for fleet and commercial customers.

gm-hydrotec-prototype-field-evaluation-fleet-truck
Mullen road tests solid-state polymer battery pack

The initial test results met or exceeded all requirements targeted for the first drive cycles for energy usage and driving range.

Mullen-battery-pack-testing
Nitrocross unveils all-electric race class with Sierra Car

In September, the Sierra Car support series race will take place at Nitrocross 24/25 in Richmond, VA.

Nitrocross-SIERRA_Car