ST. LOUIS — Intramotev, the technology company building autonomous battery-electric freight cars, announced on Tuesday that Watco will begin using Intramotev’s TugVolt system, starting at its transload terminal in Wood River, Ill., in January.
“At Watco, we’re always exploring new ways to support our customers,” Aaron Jensen, Watco’s senior vice president of operations solutions and support, said in a statement. “This program with Intramotev reflects our commitment to evaluating innovative technologies that could help us better meet the needs of our shipper customers.”
Watco will use the TugVolt equipment for switching at the transload terminal.
Intramotev is the first company to commercially deploy autonomous freight railcars. The TugVolt technology is currently in revenue service hauling limestone for Carmeuse Americas in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The company has moved over 250,000 tons of material this year and has delivered over 3,500 carloads in production.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to create value for Watco’s customers with the TugVolt and its corresponding technology,” said Intramotev CEO and Co-Founder Tim Luchini. “Our technology brings new levels of flexibility to yard operations, helping customers move freight exactly when and where they need it. That means fewer delays, lower costs, and supply chains that work on the customer’s schedule.”
Intramotev retrofits existing freight cars with its battery-electric TugVolt system, which enables the cars to be operated autonomously, by remote control, or within conventional train consists.
