FRANCE: Stadler has signed a contract to supply eight customised diesel-battery hybrid multiple-units for the narrow gauge Nice – Digne line operated by Chemins de Fer de Provence.
The two-car units will be manufactured at Bussnang in Switzerland to replace CP’s legacy diesel fleet on the 151 km metre-gauge line from 2028.
The adoption of a hybrid traction package is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 77%. battery power will be used in the Nice urban area where a charging point is to be provided, and the biodiesel-fuelled engine will provide power on rural sections of the route.
‘Passengers can look forward to travelling on state-of-the-art, comfortable trains, which take them to their destination in a more sustainable way’, said Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales at Stadler, on April 16.
The order forms part of a €130m upgrade of the line which the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur région is funding under a 2024 agreement which includes station renovation works and easier ticketing. The trains will be maintained at a €42m depot and workshop to be built at Lingostière.
| Technical data | |
|---|---|
| Client | Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur |
| Operator | Chemins de Fer de Provence |
| Route | Nice – Digne (151 km) |
| Gauge, mm | 1 000 |
| Minimum curve radius m | 100 |
| Power | Diesel-battery hybrid |
| Commissioning | 2028 |
| Seats | 86 |
| Standing capacity | 98 |
| Length mm | 39 874 |
| Width mm | 2 500 |
| Height mm | 3 900 |
| Maximum axleload tonnes | 14 |
| Maximum power at wheel kW | 800 |
