6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland 0612
Private Bag 92250, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Ph 09 355 3553
Fax 09 355 3550
13 January 2016
Rob Ford
[FYI request #3449 email]
Dear Mr Ford
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
CAS-168397-R5Y9G4
Thank you for contacting Auckland Transport (AT) on 6 December 2015 requesting information
regarding proposed battery powered trains.
Auckland Transport’s response to the specific questions raised is as follows:
What is the estimated cost associated with purchasing a new battery train and retrofitting an
existing unit?
Battery powering Auckland’s new EMUs to enable operations outside the electrified network is still
under investigation but analysis completed so far is promising. Further engineering investigations are
required to determine the most appropriate battery technology and how to integrate the battery and
existing EMU systems for best control and operation. Delivering the required range and speed
performance within mass and volume limitations, while maintaining fire safety and whole of life cost,
isn’t the easiest problem to solve.
When the work is further advanced accurate cost estimates will be undertaken and decisions made on
whether retrofitting or building new vehicles provides the best outcome. Your request for this
information is therefore declined under section 17(g) of the LGOIMA as the information requested is
not held.
The total project cost including 57 x 3 car EMUs, depot, on-board signalling equipment and all
associated activities was $630m. The price premium to include batteries and associated control
equipment is somewhat difficult to predict due to the rapidly developing battery market which is
experiencing cost reductions. Our current planning estimate is for a 20% cost premium.
Has testing of this technology succeeded?
AT is aware of a very successful battery EMU trial undertaken by Network Rail in the UK earlier last
year that appears to have met or surpassed all the objectives set.
aucklandtransport.govt.nz
If the testing is not yet complete, when is it expected to be completed?
AT is currently still in the exploration stage. We need to determine battery technology and associated
control systems, source the equipment, install and then test. At best this would be 6 months lead time
but could extend to 12 or 18 months depending on how the process unfolds.
If the concept proves to be viable for Papakura to Pukekohe services AT considers the testing
component will be relatively small in the context of the overall project, compared to detailed design
and the lead time required for sourcing the correct equipment.
If the testing was successful, when is the estimated date of delivery?
For new EMUs the absolute minimum supply lead time would be two years from order placement, and
any order placement is dependent on availability of funding which necessarily requires successful
development of the technical solution and associated business case.
If the testing was unsuccessful, will full electrification to Pukekohe be brought forward?
The AT Strategy and Planning team regularly review the priority of rail developments including
electrification extensions based on current usage, future demand modelling and available cost
estimates.
We trust the above information has addressed the matters raised however, should you believe that we
have not responded appropriately to your request, you have the right in accordance with section 27(3)
of the LGOIMA to make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman to seek an investigation and
review in regard to this matter.
If you have any further queries, please contact me on (09) 355 3553 during business hours, quoting
Local Government Official Information request number CAS-168397-R5Y9G4.
Yours sincerely
Lloyd Major
EMU Project Director
