Electro-diesel multiple unit

Not to be confused with Diesel-electric multiple unit (DEMU).

An electro-diesel multiple unit (EDMU) or bi-mode multiple unit (BMU) is a form of a multiple unit train that can be powered either by electric power picked up from the overhead lines or third rail (like an electric multiple unit – EMU) or by using an onboard diesel engine, driving an electric generator, which produces alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electric power (like a diesel-electric multiple unit – DEMU).^[1][2]

SNCF Class B 81500, an example of an electro-diesel multiple unit

List of EDMUs

Asia

China

China Railway CR200J-SG Fuxing high-speed train is a power-concentrated electro-diesel (bi-mode) multiple unit specifically designed for plateau operation. Each train consists of HXD1D-J electric locomotive (power car) at one end, FXN3-J two-unit diesel locomotive (two power cars) at another end, and 9 25-T passenger coaches between them. Electric and diesel power cars have their own independent traction motor systems, but can be operated from cabs of each other. HXD1D-J is a special version of HXD1D electric locomotive manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive and FXN3-J is a special version of a FXN3 locomotive manufactured by CRRC Dalian – both of them have changed body design and are adapted for joint operation as part of a train.^[3][4] These trains are served on Sichuan–Tibet railway.^[5]

Oceania

Australia

NSW TrainLink Regional Train Project is building 117 bi-mode R set carriages (1.5 kV DC) to replace its diesel fleet of interstate and regional XPT, Xplorer and Endeavour trainsets to be delivered by CAF from 2023.

Europe

France

SNCF B 82500 BMU

Bombardier has built dual-mode variants of its AGC series^[6] for the French operator SNCF; the electricity is collected by means of a pantograph.

• B 81500 – multiple unit trains using 1.5 kV DC catenary. In service since 2005.
• B 82500 – multiple unit trains using both 1.5 kV DC and 25 kV AC catenary. In service since October 2007.
• Alstom Régiolis (B 83500, B 84500, B 85000, B 85900). In service since April 2014 (B 83500 and B 84500).

Italy

• BTR 813,^[7] first electro-diesel version of the Stadler Flirt, service in the Valle d'Aosta region^[8] since October 2019.

Netherlands

• 18 bi-mode units of the Stadler WINK have entered service in 2021 with Arriva Netherlands. In addition to electric and diesel propulsion, these trains can also run on battery power.^[9]

Norway

• 14 bi-modal variants of the Stadler Flirt trains, called Norske Tog Class 76 [no]^[10] in Norway, held by the state owned Norske Tog and operated by the line operator SJ AB (as SJ Nord) entering service in 2021.^[11] This class is used on the regional train services around Trondheim.

Poland

EN63H West Pomerian Voivodeship operated by Polregio

• Newag Impuls is offered in electro-diesel (hybrid) version.^[12] The first units were delivered to West Pomeranian Voivodeship and started regular revenue service in early 2021.^[13]

Russia

• DT1 (ДТ1) Russian-gauge multiple unit. In service since 2009.

Spain

Renfe Class 730

Renfe Class 730 – a bi-mode subversion of Renfe Class 130, a dual-gauge, dual-voltage high-speed power-concentrated electric multiple unit, a part of Talgo 250 family. In 2012, 15 original Class 130 trainsets were modified to Class 730 by replacing their end passenger coaches with diesel-generator cars. Each train consists of 13 cars, including 2 electric locomotive-like power cars, 2 diesel-generator cars and 9 passenger coaches.^[14] One train crashed in 2013, another 14 are still in use on Alvia services.^[15]

United Kingdom

British Rail Class 802

Electro-diesel multiple units whose electricity source is 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line include:

• Hitachi-built British Rail Class 800, Class 802, and Class 805 – high-speed multiple unit used by multiple train operating companies
• British Rail Class 768 – multiple unit converted from Class 319 (with external dual-system/voltage support), for use by Rail Operations Group on parcel services.
• British Rail Class 769 – multiple unit converted from Class 319 (with external dual-system/voltage support), for use on, Northern and Transport for Wales regional services. In service since November 2019.
• Stadler-built British Rail Class 755 – multiple unit for use on Greater Anglia regional services. In service since July 2019 (755/4).^[16][17]

North America

New Haven #140 "Roger Williams", unique Budd railcar-based train at Danbury Railway Museum, Connecticut

United States

The following were retired from New York City service:

• "Roger Williams" – streamlined 6-car lightweight DMU passenger train, built by Budd Company in 1956 for New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad; primarily diesel-hydraulic, third-rail electric mode for short-term use only. Three cars preserved.
• GE/Garrett gas turbine MUs – primarily electric, but built with gas turbines to allow operation outside of third rail electrification. All scrapped.

Mexico

• X'Trapolis Tsíimin K'áak – 42 trains ordered for Tren Maya, 32 of which are EDMU^[18]

See also

• Electro-diesel locomotive