Hitachi Rail took advantage of the InnoTrans international railway exhibition in Berlin to lift the veil on its new high-speed train, the ETR1000, developed with the company Trenitalia. This new generation of the famous train, in service for nine years, incorporates significant improvements, both in terms of performance and energy efficiency. These new features position the ETR1000 as a serious rival to the French TGV on the European market.
Faster, more comfortable
Since its launch, the ETR1000 has covered nearly 200 million kilometers across Italy, France and Spain. Currently, 78 units are in service, while another 48 are on order, reflecting the popularity of this train on high-speed rail networks.
The manufacturer’s boss, Giuseppe Marino, stressed that the ETR1000 had transformed the way travelers travel in Italy, but also throughout Europe. “ In nine years, our high-speed technology has completed the equivalent of 5,000 circumnavigations of the world » he said during the event.
The developments of the model unveiled in Berlin include a revised and improved traction motor, as well as energy efficiency. The integration of a new bogie (the set of wheels mounted on a pivoting frame located under the wagons or cars of a train) and a train control and monitoring system should optimize and streamline driving.
One of the big advances in this new model is the adoption of the HMAX suite, an integrated digital asset management platform that uses artificial intelligence to analyze data from sensors on board the train. This technology allows rail operators to predict and optimize operations with greater precision, thereby promoting maintenance and greater operational efficiency.
In addition to these technological innovations, the ETR1000 sports a new exterior livery as well as a redesigned interior. Executive Class has been upgraded with more seats and luggage storage capacity, without compromising on premium comfort. All passengers will also benefit from improved Wi-Fi connectivity, a redesigned bistro food service and a modernized interior design, with new colors and redesigned seats. These changes are expected to provide a more pleasant travel experience, increasing competition with other European high-speed trains, including the TGV.
Hitachi Rail does not intend to stop with its successes in Europe. The company is working on versions of the ETR1000 suitable for extreme weather conditions, such as high temperatures and monsoons. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will be modified to resist dust and sand, making it possible to drive in regions like the Middle East.
Source: www.journaldugeek.com
