Russia: Since 10 September, the single-car 71-911EM Lvyonok-Moskva trams from PC Transport Systems (PC TS) have been operating using their onboard energy storage system.
The vehicles run in the centre of the Russian capital, covering the catenary-free 2.1 km section, which has been constructed as part of the new line connecting Paveletsky railway station with Sokolniki metro station. A total of 20 such trams are expected to serve the route.
The 71-911EM Lvyonok-Moscow tram at a stop on a section without an overhead contact line. Source: Vladimir Novikov/mosru
Andrey Vasiliev, TMH’s Deputy General Director, says that the new trams use batteries not only for operation on this section but also for accelerating from a standstill in order to reduce the load of the overhead catenary. Meanwhile, Moscow’s Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has announced that battery-powered three-car trams will also be launched in the capital by the end of the year.
In spring, PC TS won a tender and was awarded a contract for the delivery of 100 single-car trams. The LRVs are supposed to have a range of at least 4 km at a speed of 20 km/h.
