Alstom Transport and Transmashholding (TMH) have unveiled the first joint production resulting from the strategic partnership established in Russia between the two companies: an electric locomotive for EP20 passenger trains.
The locomotive’s development by a newly created joint venture – the ‘TRtrans’ engineering centre – took just seven months.
This first production will be followed in a few months by another electric locomotive: the 2ES5 locomotive designed for freight transport.
Since their alliance in 2008, the two partners have received orders for a total of 700 locomotives for Russian Railways (RZD) and Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) totalling €3.5 billion.
The EP20 locomotive is being presented at Expo 1520, held on until 9 September in Moscow.
This new-generation locomotive, ordered by Russian Railways in view of the 2014 Olympic Games in Sotchi, was inspired by the latest Alstom locomotive, the Prima II, and by Russian models designed and manufactured by TMH. Yet the EP20 is not a simple adaptation of existing models.
It was designed specifically for the CIS market and features the very latest in technology.
The EP20 is the first triple-bogie passenger locomotive (BoBoBo) capable of operating at speeds of up to 200 km/h on both voltage systems in use in Russia. Its asynchronous motor is rated at 7200 kW, making the EP20 one of the world’s most powerful passenger train locomotives.
It was ‘winterised’ for operation under temperatures as low as minus 50° C, with components suitable for extreme conditions and preheating systems for its sensitive equipment.
The EP20 is also the first Russian locomotive equipped with a computerised cab, including driving aids, remote service diagnosis, remote maintenance and centralised data.
The locomotive’s highly efficient traction system also allows for a significant reduction in electricity consumption.
