Metra battery trainsets

[Busjack]

16 hours ago, Busjack said:

(The demo was a 2-passenger-car train, but I thought I heard on a YouTube that Metra was awaiting two "trailers.")

Tribune commentary which firmed up some details. It is supposed to be a 4-car plus power unit train. Also, a plug in charge would take 2-1/2 hours (seems like that's too long to be out of service), but "If Metra installs an overhead charging system at its terminals, the train can charge by raising a pantograph in order to connect to the charger. The agency plans to install the powerful chargers eventually at LaSalle Street and Blue Island," and that "way requires more infrastructure, but it would take only 12 minutes to charge", which is less than the normal turn-around time.

The author also commented on the possibility of using them on heavier lines in off-peak periods, but I don't think Metra thinks that way.