The trains will be used in different European railway networks to modernize and reinforce train transportation in countries such as Spain, Portugal, UK, Germany, or Austria, as well as in some European railway corridors.
Most of these orders have been booked in Q3, 2022. The scope of supply includes ABB’s traction converters and motors to power the trains.
A large part of the trains that will be powered by ABB technologies are based on Stadler’s tram-train CITYLINK model, a barrier-free light rail vehicle family specially designed to connect the city center with its metropolitan area without changing trains, providing a safe and highly comfortable ride.
CITYLINK offers a versatile solution for rail operators, as they can be operated electrically on the tram network, as well as on mainline services, at speeds of up to 100 km/h. ABB technologies under these orders will also power locomotives for goods transportation.
All these different trains will be powered by traction systems that are part of ABB’s Bordline family. These systems convert the electrical energy from the overhead power line to the right voltage and frequency to drive the traction motors. The selected converters for CITYLINK will integrate all the power electronics – traction and auxiliary power – in one single box, minimizing vehicle weight, saving energy, and easing maintenance.
Bordline Compact Converters to be installed in locomotives will additionally be optimized to increase energy efficiency and reduce lifecycle costs.
Traction solutions from ABB can consider the design specifics of the trains as well the operating environment including climate conditions and further requirements influencing the trains operating conditions providing high levels of efficiency to operators in different geographies.
“We are excited to be writing the future of sustainable mobility with these projects,” said Edgar Keller, president of ABB’s Traction Division. “Bringing our traction technologies to these new trains means bringing more energy efficiency, safety, and availability for the train transportation system in Europe and the UK. We greatly appreciate Stadler’s ongoing trust in our technologies and expertise of the traction industry. We look forward to working with Stadler to design the trains of the future.”