The Forgotten History of Melbourne's (Nearly) Battery Electric Trams

Batteries are all the rage at the moment in many discussions on technology and transport. But much of this is not in fact a new technology.
In today's video, we look at the often-forgotten history of battery-powered electric trams. They were extensively examined, tested and operated across the world, including in Australia. On at least two separate occasions, even Melbourne seriously considered introducing this technology.
But what happened, who was involved, and why did Melbourne - along with almost every other tram network - adopt other technology instead?
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SOURCES AND NOTES
philam.github....
My website: philipmallis.com
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I acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this video was filmed, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people. I pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and their extensive and continuing connection to land, water and country.
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[@Taitset]

Another great video Phillip! I was aware of the brief battery operation in Bendigo, but didn't realised it was trialled in Melbourne.

[@bulldog9708]

Why do we need to move electric powered trams to battery operated ? Surely if the infrastructure is there and the electricity is sourced from “green” sources the costs of retrofitting the network and environmental cost of procuring battery powered vehicles outweighs maximising the existing infrastructure investment and purchasing green energy to power it ? Seriously the sums would not add up but I’m sure some smart lobbying and additional green marketing plus the votes will get it over the line !

[@rhiannonmanderson5886]

lol at the headline a 8:00 'next gen trams could be trackless with rubber wheels'..... so busses then, pretty sure they're describing busses

[@xr6lad]

Actually trolley buses. Look them up. Electric buses only in those days with a pantograph and over head wires but able to roam anywhere on the road and with tyres

[@HouseholdDog]

The rolling resistance would be an issue. Not to mention punctures etc.

[@xr6lad]

Great video. Batteries are still heavy by the way. Technology doesn’t change that. It’s motor’s that have become stronger to make them more viable. And please…no rubber wheels. We don’t need to waste money on gadget bahns. It seems with each generation Snake Oil salesmen find a new generation of gullible people to invest in their ideas.

[@ourresidentcockney8776]

The point about buses being considered not suitable for congested areas is very interesting. Especially given how many congested regions of Melbourne are presently forced to rely upon them. Perhaps we should take a lesson from the Royal Commission and start converting those trackless routes into proper tram routes. Especially in growing suburban areas which not only have the space but also the increasing demand for quality public transport. While it would never happen in the foreseeable future, it would be great for all future estates to be required to have a suitable corridor for rail transport if one doesn't already exist. Though that would be nothing more then a utopian fantasy with the way things are.

[@xr6lad]

Mate I love teams living in the inner city now but once outer suburban. Trams would be a useless as the proverbial on a bull. Most estates these days are properly built with narrow streets that wind, totally undesirable for a tram network plus the estates extend so fast you would never cover most areas so……people again use cars. Buses would go far more places than trains ever do. People need to grow up and stop having transit fantasies because they are fans of certain systems and understand people and why they love cars

[@gandfgandf5826]

Maybe battery electric trams will run on the Doncaster light rail. Yes, I'm joking.

[@mce_AU]

Thanks Philip. Clear and concise video. Cheers.

[@philipmallis]

Thanks for watching!

[@aussietaipan8700]

G'day Phill, another great video and informative, I never knew about the early work with battery vehicles here in Victoria. So true about rehashing old technologies, the key is to grasp the areas of failure and try to rectify them for the current venture.

[@philipmallis]

Thank you, glad you enjoy them!

[@fauzirahman3285]

Wow, the hype around that time didn't seem all that different.

[@ordinaryman2299]

god help you if a huge tram battery catches fire ???

[@noel-ec4iy]

excellent video compilation of the history of battery powered Trams many thanks

[@COOLARUL]

Those trackless battery powered trams (with rubber wheels) are running well in China today.

[@coasterblocks3420]

I wonder why magnetic induction power hasn’t been deployed in Australia at all?

[@johnwest901]

Another great video Philip. Your videos on public transit in Melbourne are my favourites.

[@philipmallis]

Many thanks!

[@JamesTsividis]

We just have to build more tram lines now :)

[@rrocketman]

Very interesting mate

[@johnharper9433]

Philip i love your videos, thank you, cheers john

[@philipmallis]

Thank you, glad you like them!

[@hhgttg69]

there are newer battery technologies (obv) so i can see why they are trying to push them again.

[@mattbowd]

Love your work Philip!

[@philipmallis]

Thanks for watching!

[@rahulg2961]

Overhead wires are practical yes but I feel they kinda ruin the beauty of the city. So many wires crisscrossing against the background of a clear blue sky.

[@thatguyscomputer]

They look fine, I doubt most people notice them after while, only the sooks who want to reinvent the wheel I mean power delivery system.

[@hypercomms2001]

02:15: Spot the Patriarchy!