Skip to main content
Section backgroundSection background

Solutions

Propulsion & Components

Innovation in every piece

Solutions

Driving efficiency

Since our inception, CAF has been committed to delivering cutting-edge railway components that not only enhance efficiency and reliability but also contribute to a more sustainable future

With every piece we produce, we ensure the highest quality and traceability, meeting the industry's most demanding standards and always considering the future of transportation.

Fully-mounted axle solutions

We are global leaders in providing state-of-the-art fully-mounted axle solutions. At CAF we are at the heart of the railway industry, driving the engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance of fully-mounted axles and axle boxes for all types of trains

Our solutions are designed to optimise supply chain management and reduce carbon footprint, driving a more sustainable future. With in-house manufacturing of key components, we guarantee total traceability, offering:

Versatile and precise control over parts

Reduced delivery times and improved logistics

Lower overall weight

Minimised carbon footprint

Reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness

Products
Services

Smoothing sustainable transition

At CAF, we offer expert advice and services to facilitate a sustainable transition when components have reached the end of their lifecycle, promoting recyclability and preventing any waste.

End-of-life solutions

Bridging innovation and reality

We believe in enhancing railway performance through cutting-edge technology solutions, combining innovation with practicality. Our technological advancements not only improve the efficiency and reliability of railway operations but also advance the future of transportation.

Technology solutions

Electric traction system

CAF offers a comprehensive range of electric traction converters in direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC).

Our solutions are modular, configurable, and turnkey, specifying all components of the traction chain:

  • Traction motors adapted to the application
  • Main transformers
  • Filtering inductances
  • Braking resistors and other components

 

The traction converter, developed with proprietary technology, is the core of the entire traction chain, and its reliability determines the vehicle’s performance and costs.

All solutions are researched and tested in our state-of-the-art laboratory. Using an optimised control strategy and the latest IGBT technology, our traction systems are designed to enhance energy efficiency.

These solutions align with our TCMS COSMOS, making them compatible for integration into both new and refurbished vehicles. CAF’s electric traction systems adhere to international railway standards and are integrated into locomotives, trams, commuter trains, and EMUs worldwide.

Section background

Building the future we want. We lead the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable railway.

Battery and hydrogen technology

The push for railway decarbonisation will involve the gradual replacement of diesel trains with hydrogen-powered and battery-powered vehicles, as well as hybrid (pantograph and battery) and bimodal (catenary and hydrogen) vehicles.

We are committed to developing sustainable alternatives to diesel trains and eliminating emissions on non-electrified routes. At CAF, we complement our hydrogen models with battery-powered trains, offering zero-emission alternatives.

In addition to environmental benefits, these trains offer cost savings on line electrification and quieter vehicles for greater passenger comfort.

Energy storage systems

We are proud to lead the transition towards pollution-free rail transportation by combining technology, efficiency, and sustainability through our Greentech energy storage systems. We design these products with the utmost environmental care, managing energy efficiently and responsibly.

Our storage systems eliminate the need for catenary and harness braking energy, significantly reducing environmental impact and promoting clean and sustainable rail transportation.
We focus on the added value of our products, which includes:

  • Vertical control of components
  • Integration into storage systems
  • Implementation in trains
  • Modularity and adaptability of our systems to different needs

We are global leaders in energy storage systems for the railway sector, allowing travellers around the world to benefit from the most advanced technology.

Section background

Control and communication systems

We specialise in the control, monitoring, and diagnostics of railway vehicles to improve transportation effectiveness, efficiency, and safety.

Along with TCMS systems, CAF provides network systems and integration, including Ethernet networks, wireless communications, and cybersecurity devices.

Our control and communication systems benefit from our expertise in various fields:

Extensive experience with railway communication buses: MVB, WTB, ETB, ECN/TRDP, RS-485, CAN

Equipment for capturing, recording, and monitoring all train variables for cloud and onboard diagnostics

Development of sophisticated and secure human-machine interfaces (HMI) and communication gateways

Secure wired and wireless communications

Generic and secure software applications for various railway vehicle functions, such as secure opening, HABD, and SDO

Section background

Locomotive solutions

We provide comprehensive support to our customers, offering modern AC traction upgrades and lithium-ion battery propulsion for freight locomotives, all from a single point of contact.

MODERNIZATIONS

AC propulsion solutions for modernizations and new locomotives

We supply modern IGBT and Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverter cabinets. Our traction systems are developed using proprietary technology and modular design concepts that ensure maximum fleet interchangeability.

They are available for a wide range of locomotives and can be applied to DC and AC-configured locomotives.

Proven AC traction technology: over 5,000 converter boxes and 12,000 AC traction motors.

We offer:

AC TM combo with zero pinion failures and oil leaks

IGBT and SiC-based inverter cabinet

Unique TM combo valid for different bogies

Total flexibility: compatible with any power source (diesel, natural gas, batteries, etc.)

Increased starting traction effort +20/+45%

Higher reliability

Reduced maintenance

Lower fuel consumption and carbon footprint

Section background

Lithium-Ion propulsion batteries

With over 15 years’ experience in the propulsion battery market, CAF has developed some of the first and largest battery-powered trains. We integrate lithium-ion batteries into a wide range of locomotives, tenders, and traction units.

Proven OESS technology: over 15 million kilometres in operation without catenary.

We offer:

High-power and durable lithium-ion batteries: LTO

High-energy-density lithium-ion batteries: NMC, LFP

Reduced fuel consumption and carbon footprint

Clean and quiet operation

Greater availability

Increased power

Section background

Service and warranty

Products designed for a 30-year operational life under severe conditions, exceeding market standards

Industrial and service presence in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and Europe

Support service facilities in Canada, Australia, South Africa, and 35 other countries

Flexible service models and availability of spare parts

Section background

Locomotive solutions

Download catalogue ↓