INNOTRANS: One of the tri-mode Flirt UK multiple-units capable of operation on diesel, 25 kV 50 Hz electric and battery power which Stadler is supplying to Transport for Wales is on show at the InnoTrans trade fair, ahead of entry into service later this year.
TfW ordered seven three-car and 17 four-car tri-mode Flirt (Flinker Leichter Innovativer Regional Triebzug, Fast Light Inter-city & Regional Train) multiple-units in January 2019.
The diesel engine and battery pack are housed in a separate traction module, and will avoid the need for full electrification which would require costly modifications to numerous bridges, particularly north of Caerphilly.
They have a maximum speed of 120 km/h and an output at wheel of 2·6 MW using overhead electrification and half that on battery power.
The vehicles comply with the latest TSI standards and have been designed to meet the requirements of TfW and the local infrastructure.
As with the similar bi-mode electro-diesel Class 755 Flirts supplied to Greater Anglia, the air-conditioned trainsets feature 960 mm high level boarding at every door to assist passengers with reduced mobility, prams and mobility scooters.
They are equipped with air-conditioning, power sockets at every seat, wide real-time passenger information screens, an accessible toilet and space for wheelchairs, pushchairs and up to six bicycles.
Testing is currently underway, with entry into passenger service expected by the end of the year.
