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Electric train
The first demonstration electric train developed by Werner von Siemens was presented in 1879 at the Berlin Industrial Exhibition. This prototype was an electric locomotive powered by 150 volt direct current, which traveled on a circular line of approximately 300 meters. The train could carry up to 30 people at a maximum speed of around 13 km/h. The electric train was tested on the test line between Berlin and Zossen. -
Electric tram
In 1881, Werner von Siemens inaugurated the world's first electric tram line in Lichterfelde, a suburb of Berlin. This tram, powered by an overhead line, ran a short route of approximately 2.5 kilometers between the Lichterfelde railway station and the local military academy.
It used low-voltage direct current (about 180 volts) transmitted via overhead wires.
Capacity: It could carry up to 20 passengers.
Speed: Reached approximately 12 km/h. -
London subway
The City South London Railway (CSLR) became the world's first electric metro, marking a fundamental step in the evolution of urban transport. The line connected King William Street with Stockwell, crossing the Thames with a total length of approximately 5.1 km. The subway used electric locomotives that received power from electrified rails. The trains reached a speed of around 15-25 km/h, a high frequency for the time. -
Improvement and diffusion of electric tram networks
From 1900 to 1920 there was a spread of electric tram networks in cities around the world.
Efficiency, urbanization, technological innovations -
More powerful and faster trains
From 1930 to 1950 there was the integration of electricity into railway systems for faster and more powerful trains. Infrastructure improvement, Efficiency and sustainability, Italy: Inauguration of the first high-speed electric railway line, the "Direttissima" Florence-Rome in 1934. -
Japan high speed train
Launch of the first electric high-speed train (Shinkansen) in Japan.
Inaugural line: Tōkaidō Shinkansen, connected Tokyo to Osaka.
Initial speed: 210 km/h, revolutionary for its time.
Significant reduction in travel time (from 6 to 4 hours between Tokyo and Osaka).
A model for the future of high-speed trains around the world.
Symbol of Japan's modernization and economic growth in the post-war period. -
Light rail
Light rail systems is the ideal for urban and suburban routes, often combined with trams to reduce traffic.
Modern technology: Quieter, low-emission vehicles with advanced electrical power and design for accessibility.
Urban integration: Effective connection between neighborhoods and city centers.
Sustainability: Better energy efficiency and emissions reduction compared to motorized transport. -
Large-scale production of electric vehicles
From 2000 to 2010, large-scale production of electric vehicles began (e.g. Tesla Roadster in 2008).
Technological innovations: Improvement of batteries (lithium ions), cost reduction and development of charging networks.
Resurgence of interest in electric vehicles after years of little development.
Drive towards sustainability, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. -
Urban micromobility
From 2010 to 2020 there was the introduction of electric bicycles (e-bikes): models with pedal assistance to reduce effort and increase speed, ideal for urban journeys.
Electric scooters: Small, foldable, perfect for short distances and easily integrated with public transport.
Traffic reduction, sustainability, sharing economy -
Fast charging, battery improvement
Fast charging networks: Infrastructure with charging stations that allow batteries to be recharged in just a few minutes, reducing waiting times.
Advanced batteries: Improvements in the capacity, lifespan and cost of lithium-ion batteries and new technologies such as solid-state batteries.
Technological innovation: Development of innovative solutions for energy optimization and integration with renewable sources. -
Consolidation and new technologies
From 2025 to 2035 there will be a global diffusion of electric cars with long-lasting batteries.
Implementation of all-electric public transport systems, including zero-emission bus fleets.
Widespread adoption of very high-speed electric trains, such as Hyperloop. -
Automation and integration
From 2035 to 2050 we will have autonomous electric vehicles for private and shared transport.
Urban networks of electric drones for the transport of goods and people.
Electric regional air transport thanks to battery-powered aircraft. -
Breakthrough innovations
From 2050 onwards we will have wireless energy to recharge moving vehicles (e.g. electric roads).
High-speed maglev for intercontinental connections.
Sustainable space mobility with electric vehicles for lunar or Martian colonization.