Skoda Group has announced that it will supply up to 1,120 traction motors for a new fleet of trams being produced for Melbourne’s tram network in Victoria. The contract is worth more than €13 million and is the first time that Skoda has secured an order from Australia.
The new trams will be built by Alstom and will be based on the Flexity 2 platform. They will be the first trams in Melbourne to feature low-floor access throughout and will also be equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including a collision avoidance and passenger counting systems.
The traction motors that Skoda will supply for the new trams are based on the company’s successful FCX range. These motors are designed to be mounted longitudinally, weigh 360kg, and have an output of 105kW that drives the tram axle via a two-speed gearbox. The motors will have a number of features, including thermal management and a regenerative braking.
The new trams are scheduled to be delivered to Melbourne between 2024 and 2028. They will be used on a variety of routes across the city, including the popular Route 86, which connects the city centre with the eastern suburbs.
Petr Novotný, president of Components & Bus Mobility at Škoda Group, said: “We are delighted to be supplying our traction motors to Melbourne’s new tram fleet. This contract is a testament to the quality and reliability of our products, and we are proud to be playing a role in the further development of one of the world’s largest tram networks.”
The delivery of the new trams is part of a wider investment in Melbourne’s public transport system. In recent years, the city has invested heavily in new trams, buses, and light rail lines. This investment has helped to improve the reliability and efficiency of the public transport system, and has made it a more attractive option for commuters.
Photo Credit: Alstom
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