From Nightmares to Night Trains
Night Trains Have Long Been Patched Together - Not Anymore!
Together with:
Bavarian Econs - classic electric conversions startup. "We are in love with BMW classic cars and have chosen to redesign them in a sustainable way so that they remain a legacy for the next generations."
Welcome back to our weekly EV insider email.
This week I am trying a slightly shorter format, including company names and a personal anecdote, following feedback received from readers. Thanks, Felix!
Although not the traditional or most known Electric Vehicle, today's edition is about night trains. This transportation mode has a very small CO2 footprint (talking about the traveling, not the manufacturing or energy source) and is experiencing a comeback - with European demand growing. Consider them as a hotel on wheels, where you arrive rested the next morning in the city center of your destination.
Let’s ride along, learn what is new and how some companies are taking advantage of this trend to help customers get what they are asking for.
Thanks for planting a tree every time that you open “So Watt”!
Enjoy reading.
Night trains have long been patched together - not anymore!
The resurgence of night trains has garnered significant attention in the media and a recent study titled "Traveling the Day After Tomorrow - A Difference Like Day and Night" has shed light on their ecological impact and market demand. Surprisingly, the study revealed that night trains emit significantly less CO2 compared to electric cars and planes, making them a more environmentally friendly option. However, for night trains to compete effectively, they must be economically viable, have ample capacity, modern rolling stock, and maintain consistent demand. While 64% of travelers consider night trains, the high prices deter 39% from actually booking.
To address the challenges and boost the popularity of night trains, various improvements are being discussed. These include sleep capsules, a user-friendly booking system, longer trains, combined train and flight tickets or train and last-mile solutions. Researchers predict that within the next decade, night trains will become a preferred choice for travel to destinations like Berlin, Vienna, Zurich, or Rome, thereby reducing air travel and private car usage.
To cater to travelers' needs, some companies are taking action. The ÖBB Nightjet, for example, offers the convenience of traveling with a car or motorcycle. Vehicle tickets can be booked well in advance, either online, through customer service, at ticket counters, or by selected travel agencies. Safety precautions are taken, such as securing the vehicles properly and insuring them throughout the journey.
I had mixed feelings about my night train travel from Zurich to Berlin with my family. The high cost of tickets was a downside, and the train was not modern. The air conditioning was uncomfortably cold due to damaged vents, and there was an incident with our son falling from his bed, luckily without getting hurt. The return journey was slightly better with more comfort, but the bed here was also too short for me, causing constant discomfort. Overall, it was an experience worth having with the kids - I welcome the upcoming improvements!
So Watt?
While there is growing interest in night trains, there are still challenges to overcome. The number of offerings needs to increase, especially from key cities like Berlin, Zurich, and Paris. Additionally, the perception of night trains must shift from being seen as an alternative to cars to a primary mode of transportation (with which you can take your electric car). This requires greater investment, expanded capacity, and addressing issues like the first and last mile problem.
Recognizing the potential of night trains, companies like Deutsche Bahn and its partners are planning to launch new routes. However, the first and last-mile issue, overall service quality, and availability still need improvement. Another promising initiative is the collaboration between French startup Midnight Trains and SNCF (the French national railway company), aiming to create a luxury hotel on rails, connecting Paris and Rome in just 12 hours.
Addressing the complexity of booking night train journeys to less popular destinations, Swiss startup Simpletrain offers a personalized booking service. They assist customers in finding suitable connections based on their preferences, including affordable or fast options.
What opportunities do you see for businesses with this trend?
That’s it for today!
Happy weekend and see you next week,
Julian Ucros
Whenever you're ready, there’s one way I can help you:
Promote yourself to So Watt? subscribers and readers by sponsoring this newsletter.