MECHANICSVILLE, Va. — Global electrical technology firm ABB will collaborate with Stadler on its passenger trainset orders for Metra and Caltrans, ABB said this week.
ABB will supply traction converters and batteries for the eight two-car battery-electric trainsets Metra ordered last year [see “Metra signs deal with Stadler US …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 21, 2024]. The trains will be equipped with ABB’s Pro 8C batteries and CC750 DC traction converters. Those batteries and traction converters, as well as CC400 DC traction converters, will also be part of the Caltrans order for 10 hydrogen fuel-cell trainsets played in 2023 and last year [see “California orders six more hydrogen-powered trainsets …,” News Wire, Feb. 15, 2024].
Assembly and testing of the components will be conducted at ABB’s Traction factory in Mechanicsville. Since 2010, ABB has invested more than $14 billion in U.S. plant expansions, improvements, equipment, products, and people.
“Our collaboration with Stadler is a testament to our commitment to sustainable transportation solutions,” said Edgar Keller, president, ABB Traction division said in a press release. “By leveraging our advanced technology and local manufacturing capabilities, we are helping drive the transition to cleaner rail transport.” Said Martin Ritter, CEO Stadler North America, “By integrating ABB’s traction batteries and converters into our trainsets, we are not only enhancing the efficiency and reliability of our fleets but also contributing to a state-of-the-art transit future.”
Little Switzerland’s big Stadler certainly wouldn’t want to lose the North American rail market entirely to Alstom and Siemens.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
A significant collaboration between two Swiss firms
for sustainable rail solutions in Illinois and California.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
That should equal 2 normal Metra sets. Probably only one running and one in the dead line.
Note that METRA’s battery-powered eight two-car STADLER trainsets will seat 112 people, and each additional trailer car will provide seating for about 46 people. The single-level sets will have open gangways so riders can move freely from car to car. A fully charged trainset is expected to have a range of 45 to 65 miles. Charging time will vary, but going from a 20 percent charge to 80 percent – enough for the trainset to operate – is expected to take about 20 to 30 minutes. METRA plans to introduce the trainsets between LaSalle St. and Blue Island on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line, a distance of 16.4 miles. That would directly benefit the air quality in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago and in the near south suburbs.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
I would think that a diesel/battery hybrid would be a better solution. CNG if you don’t want the diesel fumes.