In Florence, Hitachi Rail has been contracted to supply 46 advanced battery-powered trams and the necessary digital signalling to operate them.
The new fleet of battery trams will eliminate the need for the traditional overhead electrified infrastructure, which is costly to install and visually intrusive.
By using battery technology, Hitachi Rail’s vehicles aim to preserve the aesthetic integrity of Florence’s historic city centre while providing a high-capacity, efficient public transportation option.
The manufacturer will commence the delivery of the new trams in 2026. They will be adaptable for use across all tram lines in the city.
The trams will have a maximum speed of 70 km/h, a length of 33.5 metres, 54 seats, and a total capacity of 278 passengers.
They will also feature a regenerative braking system, which returns power to the batteries when braking to reduce energy consumption and contribute to environmental sustainability.
In addition, the trams will offer air conditioning, large windows, and spacious interiors.
“Hitachi Rail has the strategic goal of providing innovative transport solutions worldwide. To be able to do this for the city of Florence, a very important urban centre and one of the world's most famous cities of art, is a further recognition for us.
“We are convinced that urban public transport is the main driver for the green transition of mobility. For this reason, we work daily to design and build increasingly comfortable, reliable and safe transport systems that are also environmentally friendly across the entire value chain. In our opinion, this is the way to stimulate the shift from private transport systems to new collective mobility solutions that can significantly improve the decarbonisation process of transport in cities.”
Hitachi Rail’s battery technology was first tested in Florence in 2021. Following the successful trial, the company has now been selected to deliver the 46 new battery trams.
In addiiton, it has secured a 17 million EUR contract to maintain the city’s existing fleet of Sirio trams.
