METRO (IPEMU) for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Merseytravel, Great Britain
The Liverpool City Region has ordered 53 METRO trains from Stadler, seven of which are Independent Powered Electrical Multiple Units (IPEMU). These will be the first IPEMUs to be introduced into passenger service in the UK. These innovative and environmentally friendly trains are based on the original Class 777 METRO vehicles and enable operations to be expanded to non-electrified routes. With IPEMUs, infrastructure work can be avoided and passenger numbers can be increased thanks to an integrated travel experience. IPEMUs can replace diesel-powered trains, helping regional and national authorities to meet CO2 reduction targets. In addition, IPEMUs eliminate the need to change trains, resulting in an improved travel experience and reduced journey times for passengers. Each IPEMU is equipped with a battery-based power storage system. The new battery traction equipment is housed in the underframe. While an IPEMU is driving on the electrified network, the batteries are charged via the third rail or by regenerative braking. The charging time is less than 15 minutes, and one battery is designed for more than 10,000 charge and discharge cycles. The transition from all-electric to IPEMU drive is smooth and not noticeable to passengers during the journey.