Rail Innovation: AS 7655 Guide to Battery Electric Rail Charging

Australian Rail Industry Sets Standard for Battery Electric Charging Infrastructure

Across the vast Australian continent, rail operators are actively embracing battery electric rail vehicles, ushering in a new era of sustainable transport. However, until now, a unified set of standards for the crucial charging infrastructure has been notably absent. Addressing this, the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board (RISSB) has spearheaded the development of AS 7655, “Wayside Electrical Charging Interface for Low Emissions Rolling Stock.” This new standard, released recently, sets consistent requirements for electrical charging interfaces between rolling stock and infrastructure equipment. The impetus is clear: to support widespread decarbonisation initiatives. The project, undertaken in partnership with rail operators, infrastructure managers, rolling stock suppliers and industry experts, seeks to streamline integration and interoperability across Australia and New Zealand’s diverse rail networks. RISSB, the accredited rail standards organisation, anticipates the standard will reduce both cost and complexity for emerging sustainability initiatives.

Standardisation for a Sustainable Future

The “What” of AS 7655 is a vital standard ensuring that battery electric rolling stock from different suppliers can utilize the same charging interfaces. Sudha Niles, General Manager of Products and Innovation at RISSB, emphasizes that this approach limits the potential for bespoke, proprietary charging interfaces from each supplier, thereby simplifying operations. “That way, all users of battery electric locomotives can connect to charging points across the networks,” she explains. The “Why” behind this standardisation is to prevent the pitfalls of fragmented charging infrastructure, which can create confusion, delay adoption, and inflate costs. The “How” involves setting clear parameters for the charging interfaces, specifically focusing on the electrical connections. The “Where” is across the Australian and New Zealand rail networks, aiming for seamless operation, and the “When” is now, with the standard released and already being adopted.

Focus on Interface, Enabling Innovation

AS 7655’s scope is intentionally focused on the charging interfaces themselves. It deliberately excludes onboard traction equipment, battery technologies, and specific charging strategies or the infrastructure required. This strategic exclusion allows suppliers the freedom to innovate. By focusing on standardising the connection point, the standard encourages competition in other areas, such as battery technology and charging strategies, potentially leading to faster advancements and more efficient systems. This is a critical distinction, ensuring interoperability without stifling creativity within the burgeoning battery electric rail sector.

From Harmonisation to Proactive Standards

Historically, RISSB’s efforts have primarily focused on harmonising existing, often state-based, rail standards. Developing AS 7655 represents a shift. This initiative allows the industry to proactively shape the direction of a rapidly evolving technology – battery electric rail vehicles – by setting the standard at the outset. This preemptive approach avoids the challenges associated with retroactively harmonising diverse, pre-existing standards, promoting long-term operational efficiency. The initiative is intended to significantly reduce future harmonisation and interoperability issues before they arise.

Conclusion

The release of AS 7655 marks a significant milestone in the Australian and New Zealand rail industry’s transition to a more sustainable future. By establishing a standard for battery electric charging interfaces, the RISSB and its collaborators have set a strong foundation for interoperability, efficiency, and innovation. This strategic approach, focusing on interface compatibility while encouraging innovation in related technologies, promises to accelerate the adoption of battery electric rolling stock and support broader decarbonisation goals. The implications are far-reaching, promising to reduce costs, simplify operations, and lay the groundwork for a greener, more sustainable rail network. Looking ahead, this standard provides a valuable model for other regions embarking on the transition to electric rail, highlighting the importance of proactive standardisation in fostering a seamless and efficient transition to low-emissions rolling stock. The development of the standard and its ongoing implementation will be closely watched across the global rail industry.