Russia: The low-floor tram produced by a manufacturer belonging to Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) has redesigned exterior and interior, better internal and external lightning compared to the basic 71-415 model. It is claimed that the unit is fully equipped with domestic components.
According to Uraltransmash acting CEO Oleg Rybin, the tram is to be recertified on the basis of a 71-415 car regarding driver’s cab visibility and other criteria following which it will be ready for a series production. As ROLLINGSTOCK Agency was informed at the plant, the vehicle is fitted with 8 EDBT1 traction motors with an output of 62 kW each (similar EMUs are installed in 71-415R retro-style trams).
The basic 71-415 tram model was presented back in 2018 at the Innoprom exhibition, receiving approval the same year. It is the manufacturer’s first one-car tram with a full low-floor space. The vehicle’s passenger capacity is 190 people. The traction system had twice the lower output compared to 71-415M. Each motor had an output of 30 kW. An innovative steering bogie with double spring suspension was developed exclusively for the tram to ensure its smooth running.
The 71-415 model hasn’t entered mass production so far. TransPhoto’s data says that there are only 5 units of this model manufactured for now: three of them run in Nizhny Tagil after previously passing tests in the city. A large series of 71-415 trams was planned to be delivered to Moscow under a contract between the city and Sinara – Transport Machines, however later it was substituted for the 71-628M model and further the contract was terminated by the city late in 2021.
Meanwhile, 71-415R retro-style modification got a higher demand. Uraltransmash supplied 11 such trams to Nizhny Novgorod in 2021 under a leasing contract while 2 vehicles were delivered to Nizhny Tagil in 2022. Compared to the basic model, the retro-styled one was fitted with the previously mentioned more powerful EDBT1 motors from NPO Elektromashina (also a part of UVZ), and its seating capacity has increased from 30 to 38 places. By contrast, when compared to 71-415 model, the retro-style model’s passenger capacity has decreased from 190 to 174 people. This project became a basis for Uraltransmash to obtain the next large contract in Saint-Petersburg to supply 42 three-section and 12 two-section low-floor trams, styled on rolling stock of the 1950s and 1960s.
