Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (VMS), the Central Saxony transport authority, and Alstom have presented the new Coradia Continental BEMU in Chemnitz. A total of 11 three-car battery-electric multiple units have been ordered by VMS and will enter service in 2024 on the Chemnitz – Leipzig line.
With the delivery of the battery-electric train, “we will be able to run electrically on one of the most important rail routes in the transport association without it already being electrified. Being able to travel cleanly, environmentally friendly and comfortably between Chemnitz and Leipzig is the result of the interplay between regional ownership as a transport association and innovative technology from Alstom,” said Mathias Korda, Managing Director of Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen GmbH.
The Coradia Continental BEMU has a range of up to 120 kilometres and can be operated under catenary as well as on non-electrified sections of line. In battery mode, they will reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The capacity of the high-performance lithium-ion batteries is calculated to guarantee catenary-free operation on the Chemnitz – Leipzig line without sacrificing performance or passenger comfort.
The three-car trains are 56 metres long and seat 150 passengers.
The German sites of Salzgitter and Mannheim are involved in the production of the battery electric trains. The battery traction subsystem is designed and supplied by Alstom’s Tarbes site, a world centre of excellence for green traction systems.
“Alstom’s ambition is to be the global leader in sustainable mobility, reducing emissions and pollution in catenary-free operation. The presentation of the first battery-powered train developed by Alstom is an important step in this direction,” Müslüm Yakisan, President of Alstom Region DACH said.
The EUR 100 million contract was signed by VMS and Alstom in 2020 and includes the provision of maintenance services until 2032.
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