Futurail

Futurail is an innovation-driven company focused on revolutionising the railway industry through advanced electrification technologies. Our mission is to lead the decarbonisation of Australia’s heavy haul rail sector while simultaneously reducing operational costs, including energy consumption and maintenance expenses, through electrification retrofits.

Our expertise: Our team boasts deep technical expertise in energy management, intelligent control, and battery technology. We have over a decade of experience in electrical motor technology for locomotives. We have successfully commercialised pure electric drive technologies for feeder line train retrofitting in China leveraged by our partnership and connection with leading manufacturers including CRRC Chengdu and battery suppliers, showcasing our capability to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Our vision: We are committed to establishing a strong presence in Australia, contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals while setting new standards in sustainable rail transport.

The problems we are solving:

1. High operational costs: Diesel locomotives not only have high fuel costs but also incur substantial maintenance expenses. These costs undermine the economic viability of rail transport, particularly in remote and resource-intensive operations in Australia

2. Lack of electrification technologies: The heavy haul rail industry globally faces a critical gap in standardised, commercially viable electrification technologies. This absence hinders the broader adoption of sustainable rail transport solutions.

3. Decarbonisation urgency: With increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, there is an urgent need to decarbonise the transportation of bulk commodities. Traditional diesel locomotives are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

Our technologies:

1. Cutting-edge electric control: Our exclusive traction control algorithms enable advanced functionalities such as zerospeed lock on ramps, full-range braking force output, and fixed-distance traction. Our built-in charger and hybrid control unit ensure precise energy management, maximising efficiency while protecting the battery from overcharging and discharging.

2. Innovative motor technology: Our energy-efficient locomotive motors achieve a remarkable 93% rated point efficiency, with a braking energy recovery efficiency of 95%. Our use of asynchronous motors reduces the risk of field loss and high voltage back electromotive force, enabling wider speed ranges and IP66 protection for reliable operation.

3. Advanced battery technology: We lead the industry with our active balancing algorithm, which optimises battery efficiency and extends battery life. Our battery systems incorporate automotive-grade components, achieving ASIL-D and IP67 protection levels, and offering options for explosion-proof design and fire extinguishing systems. Our solutions ensure safe, reliable, and efficient energy storage for modern rail transport.