King County Metro in Seattle Orders Major Battery Upgrade from KIEPE for Enhanced In Motion Charging Capability on Electric Trolley Buses

• King County Metro in Seattle, Washington has ordered a major battery upgrade from KIEPE for up to 170 electric trolley buses 

• KIEPE will deliver upgraded battery packs, which have roughly three times the capacity of the original energy storage system (ESS); In addition, KIEPE will provide on-site service support for a period of up to 5 years

• The more efficient trolley buses will contribute to King County Metro’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving public transportation

Alpharetta, September 5, 2024 – In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, King County Metro in Seattle, Washington has leveraged KIEPE's expertise and ordered a major battery and battery charger upgrade for its electric trolley buses, which are charged while in motion. Powered by KIEPE, these buses will now benefit from advanced In Motion Charging (IMC®) technology. Deliveries will commence in late 2024. KIEPE will provide on-site service support for a period of up to 5 years.

The IMC® technology allows these electric buses to travel over seven miles between overhead wire connections, relying on space-saving batteries that charge during short sections of overhead line operation. This extended range and efficiency will support King County Metro’s commitment to provide eco-friendly public transportation and the city’s broader environmental goals.

Alexander Ketterl, CEO of the KIEPE Group: "Seattle and King County is considered to be one of the most livable regions in the USA and we are proud to once again contribute to this quality of life with our IMC® technology as part of our long-standing partnership with King County Metro. This is where KIEPE's customer proximity pays off with a presence and a well-coordinated, dedicated team in the USA. The extensive battery upgrade is in line with KIEPE's goal of reducing emissions as part of long-term lifecycle management and improving public transportation with state-of-the-art technology."

The complexity of electrification is increasing, and KIEPE is renowned for providing comprehensive support throughout the entire product lifecycle, offering smart solutions even for older vehicles. KIEPE has developed an upgraded battery pack for up to 170 electric trolley buses delivered to King County Metro between 2014 and 2017 (XT40 and XT60 trolley buses). 

Four pilot buses have already been equipped with new traction batteries and a more powerful battery charger. This new technology, manufactured and tested in the USA, can be seamlessly installed into the existing buses. The service package includes on-site support, power electronic overhauls and customer training for the team at the repair center in King County.

The upgraded battery pack, which replaces the original 26 kWh lithium-ion energy storage system (ESS), offers three times the capacity, allowing for longer off-wire operation. Additionally, the enhanced traction battery charger, now three times more powerful, ensures optimal use of the IMC technology.

By closely collaborating with King County Metro on this innovative project, KIEPE is enhancing the energy efficiency and performance of the county's electric trolley buses while reducing infrastructure maintenance and service expansion costs. This partnership underscores KIEPE’s role in driving sustainable public transportation solutions.

KIEPE is known worldwide for its efficient and ecologically sustainable electric equipment. The company has been offering solutions for streetcars, subway trains, regional trains and electric buses with In Motion Charging (IMC) and High Power Charging (HPC) since 1906. In addition, Kiepe Electric provides charging systems for various applications.

KIEPE USA produces modern power electronic systems at its site in Alpharetta, GA. KIEPE offers comprehensive services for public transportation in the USA. Around 800 electric buses and numerous rail vehicles powered by KIEPE are in daily use in the USA.

Caption: The electric buses with In Motion Charging technology can be used even more flexibly on the routes within King County after the battery update by KIEPE. | ©Klaus Peter Canavan