Battery-powered trams on the way for Wolverhampton Midland Metro extension
A Midland Metro extension could be the first commercial tramway in the country to run without overhead lines.
The Wolverhampton extension from St George's to the city's railway station will be 'catenary-free'.
The idea behind it is to avoid the potentially disruptive and expensive installation of overhead electrical equipment.
It can also protect architecturally sensitive areas in the city centre.
A tram has already been sent to a factory in Spain for battery cells to be fitted in its roof, enabling it to travel for short distances without power lines.
It is set to return in September, before the rest of the Midland Metro's fleet of 21 trams is sent over, costing £15.5million.
The Wolverhampton extension, which will also include a stop at the bus station, is expected to open in 2019. Work has already started on the line.
An extension to the line in Birmingham, from New Street to Victoria Square will also have no overhead power lines.
The technology will also be used on the Birmingham to Edgbaston extension, opening in 2021, and on the Birmingham Eastside extension in Digbeth, opening 2023.
Metro bosses say the move will save £9.24m in infrastructure costs.
Wolverhampton council leader Councillor Roger Lawrence said: "It costs money to get the trams initially kitted out with the battery, but it saves time and money on the overhead lines.
"It also helps in areas where setting up the lines could be challenging, for example at Pipers Row or on the bridge to the railway station.
"It adds flexibility on where the line can go. I welcome it."
The batteries were commissioned by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Councillor Roger Horton, who sits on the combined authority, said: “This has got be good news as the Midland Metro continues to expand and provide an effective alternative to the private car, helping to ease congestion and support economic growth.”
