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Trains

Locomotives

Power at the forefront of innovation

Trains

Innovation and Power in Motion

Rail transport is key to the competitiveness of regions. Operators need efficient and reliable train fleets that minimise lifecycle costs. 

At CAF, we have extensive experience in supplying locomotives for transport services, and are trusted by operators including Renfe, Euskotren, Saudi Railways Organization (SRO), Saudi Railway Company (SAR), and RATP in France. 

The flexibility and interoperability of CAF locomotives make them the optimal solution for passenger and freight transport, and our Bitrac range includes the latest advancements in comfort for operators. 

CAF’s commitment to efficiency in rail systems and environmental protection has led us to develop innovative technologies, such as the new dual-mode shunting locomotives for French operator RATP, with 1000kW of power and nickel-cadmium batteries enabling maintenance to be carried out in a fully autonomous way.

Power and flexibility for passenger and freight transport

Bitrac

Flexible and interoperable, Bitrac is an optimal solution for passenger and freight transport. It incorporates the latest advancements in comfort, providing the option to equip each locomotive with air conditioning systems, bathrooms, and even beds. 

 

Bitrac’s main advantage is its use of specific technology which allows full interoperability between tracks with different gauges, signalling systems, and power supplies.

01

Flexibility

Standardised components can be adapted to each customer’s specific needs and Bitrac’s modularity translates into a wide range of locomotives with different characteristics, based on the following factors:

Number of cabs, type of power supply (electric, diesel-electric and bi-mode), type of service (passenger and freight), track gauge, power supply voltage (1.5kV dc, 3kV dc, 15kV ac and 25kV ac), axle arrangement (2-axle and 3-axle bogies) and adaptability to more extreme climates.

02

Safety

Bitrac is designed to accommodate the most comprehensive signalling systems, such as ERTMS levels 1, 2, and 3, to ensure the highest level of operational safety. The platform is also designed to integrate all existing national signalling systems. 

Other integrated equipment which enhances unit safety includes radio (GSM-R and/or any other type of local radio), dead man's switch, and event recorder. 

Bitrac complies with the EN15227 crashworthiness standard, providing good protection for the convoy and engineer in the event of a collision.

03

Energy efficiency

Designed to ensure maximum energy efficiency, with traction systems that minimise energy losses and optimise consumption. 

We prioritise the recyclability of all materials used in its construction, facilitating maintenance, and making disassembly and reuse easier at the end of the locomotive’s lifespan. 

The Bitrac locomotive is specifically designed to employ regenerative braking over rheostatic and friction braking, so energy recovered during braking is returned to the catenary to be used by another train or fed back into the electrical grid. 

Bitrac's design, along with innovative hybrid traction systems, enables operation using both electric power and energy stored in the onboard batteries, eliminating pollutant emissions and significantly reducing noise.

04

Optimised lifecycle costs

The Bitrac platform has been developed with the goal of minimising lifecycle costs. Through optimised aerodynamic design, high-performance traction equipment, reduced weight, efficient driving strategy definition, and regenerative braking, energy consumption has been reduced to a minimum. 

Its design and focus on reliability and maintainability mean maintenance costs are significantly reduced. 

To optimise unit maintenance, we offer our customers a wide range of after-sales services, including spare parts supply, warranty services, variable scope maintenance, and fleet refurbishment.