ABB to supply energy-efficient traction and high-performance battery technologies for commuter trains to Stadler, a Swiss train maker

ABB technologies will help to increase reliable service for commuters in Spain’s major metropolitan areas including Madrid and Barcelona. (Image: Stadler)

(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, 7-Feb-2022 — /EuropaWire/ — ABB (SWX: ABBN), a Swedish–Swiss multinational company leader in robotics, power, heavy electrical equipment, and automation, has announced it will supply ABB to supply energy-efficient traction and high-performance battery technologies for high-capacity commuter trains to Stadler, a Swiss train maker with over 75 years of experience. The order, worth nearly EUR 70 million ($80 million) also includes traction equipment for new locomotives. Many of these trains will strengthen the short-distance transportation network in Spain serving more than one million commuters every day in some of Spain’s largest cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.

The orders include state-of-the-art compact traction converters and high-power lithium-ion battery based on-board energy storage systems to power 59 new generation high-capacity double-deck commuter trains for Spain’s state-owned rail operator Renfe. The orders were booked in the fourth quarter of 2021.

“After a decade-long successful collaboration in the propulsion locomotive segment, we are proud to receive Stadler’s continued trust to help deliver the most modern high-capacity trains together,” said Edgar Keller, President of ABB’s Traction Division. “Deep domain expertise ensure that ABB’s traction and energy storage solutions are optimized for energy efficient and reliable sustainable transportation.”

“We are glad to continue our collaboration with ABB in this new project. Its global expertise in traction systems, together with the local proximity excels close collaboration and enables innovation in these highly technological projects”, said Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia. “ABB’s compact traction converter and energy storage systems are the best fit for these new generation high-capacity commuter trains supporting us to deliver energy-efficient and reliable fleets for the future.”

The new high-capacity commuter trains will operate on 3kV direct current overhead lines and are also equipped with traction batteries for emergency use and depot maneuvering. The new fleet, equipped with highly compact, efficient, and all roof mounted ABB traction technology, will increase passenger capacity, while at the same time contributing to more sustainable transportation.

ABB’s lithium-ion on-board energy storage system is used as alternative power source to help ensure reliable and punctual train services in the event of catenary failure. The energy storage system may also serve as the primary power source for maneuvering in depots or cleaning rail yards without catenary supply infrastructure.

The compact traction equipment converts the electrical energy from the overhead power line or battery into the needed voltage and frequency to drive the traction motors. Its compact design and high energy efficiency performance will save space, reduce weight, and save energy in these trains.

ABB is a leading provider of innovative traction technologies for transportation, offering a full range of propulsion, auxiliary and battery energy storage solutions for new vehicles as well as for retrofits. Operators benefit from customized traction solutions engineered for optimum overall performance, energy efficiency and minimized operating cost.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

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SOURCE: ABB