Bombardiers Catenary-Free Tram Technology Enables Start of Passenger Operations For China’s Olympics

Image Courtesy of Bombardier

Bombardier partner CSR Nanjing Puzhen Rolling Stock Co. Ltd. (CSR Puzhen), a subsidiary of China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Corporation Limited, has delivered the first four of 15 catenary-free low-floor trams to the city of Nanjing, China. Two of these trams have entered into passenger revenue service on the 8 km long Hexi line to support the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games, held in Nanjing between August 16 and 28, 2014.

Nanjings new trams represent the next generation of tram technology. Based on new high-power BOMBARDIER PRIMOVELi-Ion battery systems, the trams operate without overhead cables on 90 per cent of the lines. The batteries are re-charged seamlessly during normal passenger service via the pantograph, statically at tram stops and dynamically during acceleration. It is the first time ever that trams with PRIMOVE traction batteries have entered into passenger service as well as the first time, in general, that Li-ion batteries have been used for catenary-free tram operation.

Bombardier’s FLEXITY 2 Technology

After winning the order in April 2013, Bombardiers partner CSR Puzhen is building the trams, based on BombardiersFLEXITY 2 technology, at its site in Nanjing. Bombardier will supply the MITRAC propulsion and controls equipment, the innovative FLEXX Urban 3000 bogies and the PRIMOVE battery systems. As CSR Puzhens partner, Bombardier will also support the project under a 10-year technology license agreement, signed in 2012, that enables CSR Puzhen to sell and manufacture 100 per cent low-floor trams using Bombardiers technology in China (including Hong Kong and Macao).

In total, eight vehicles will run on the Hexi line, which connects four stops on central metro lines 1 and 2 with the venues of the Youth Olympic Games. Another seven vehicles are planned for the 9 km long Qilin line, also in Nanjing, that will be opened later this year. The Qilin line features steep sections and an elevated route over a major highway. Service on this demanding route will demonstrate the suitability of PRIMOVE batteries for reliable and efficient catenary-free operation (CFO) on nearly any tram line across the globe.