TÜBİTAK, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, has recently initiated a project for the development of the first electric locomotive manufactured entirely in Turkey. According to the authorities, the first locomotive could be out in the market in 2021.
Thus, a team of 160 people are working to this project since October, and the electric locomotive will be called E5000. It will be equipped with a 5,000 Kw power traction system and will reach speeds of 160 km/h. Also, Technical Specifications for Interoperability will be drafted in conformity with the requirements of the European Railway Agency (ERA).
In order to get certification, the locomotive will undergo tests for four years. According to specifications, it will be the country’s most powerful rail traction vehicle equipped with control systems designed and manufactured in Turkey. TÜBİTAK will design and manufacture the locomotive together with partners from the Turkish rail industry, among which TÜLOMSAŞ, the national manufacturer of locomotives and passenger coaches.
Once the locomotive prototype will get certification and operation license, Turkish Railways (TCDD) will place an order for 20 such vehicles. TCDD will use these locomotives on the main routes dedicated to both freight and passenger transport.
Considering the national rail system modernisation strategy by 2023, Turkey announced it planned to buy 500 locomotives over the next years. The cost of this acquisition is estimated at USD 4 billion. The fact that Turkey will manufacture the electric locomotives domestically means that a significant percentage of this amount will stay in the country to support the development of the national economy.
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