Avenio M is the latest variant in the Avenio family of light rail vehicles (LRVs) manufactured by Siemens. The multi-articulated tram features a completely welded aluminium car body.
Siemens received the first €32m ($35.5m) order from SWU Verkehr to deliver 12 Avenio M trams with an option for an additional six trams for Line 1 and Line 2 in Ulm in May 2015.
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The first production tram was rolled out from the Siemens factory in Wien in December 2017 and deliveries were concluded in December 2018. Trams commenced service on the 10km-long Line 2 later that month.
The vehicle is an ideal solution for intercity transportation as it features short bogie-unit modules with intermediate vehicle modules between them.
Avenio M tram design and features
The new Avenio M tram is a lightweight vehicle based on a 100% low-floor design. The fully welded structure is made of extruded sections integrating mounts for subsystems and interior fittings. The roof also forms part of the single welded structure.
The tram retains the bogies with independently rotating wheels of proven Combino trams. The bogies have a flat floor without ramps or steps in the passenger areas. It offers convenience for passengers with the large multi-function areas for wheelchairs and strollers.
The uni-directional LRV includes a driver’s cab at the front and an auxiliary operator’s cab at the rear. The tram features four 1.3m-wide double doors and two 800mm-wide single doors to ensure quick passenger flow.
Tram length varies between 21m and 43m depending on the configurations, including three, five or seven modules. It can accommodate up to 297 passengers in the maximum-capacity configuration.
The tram is also available with different widths, including 2.3m, 2.4m or 2.65m. The height of the entrance is 305mm, while the floor is 380mm above the bogie.
The crash absorption resistance of the LRV complies with EN 15227 standards. The body shell offers longitudinal compressive stiffness of 400kN.
In order to avoid accidents, the vehicle can be fitted with a collision warning system (ADAS) and can be immediately repaired in the event of a collision. The easy-to-operate tram also reduces downtime for maintenance by up to 35%.
The vehicle is intended for operation on 1,000mm metre-gauge networks or 1,435mm standard-gauge networks.
Avenio M tram interiors
Each tram features bright interiors with seats and handrails that have been ergonomically designed, as well as air-conditioning for the driver’s cab and passenger cars.
Multi-functional areas allow users to store prams, wheelchairs and bikes. It can also be fitted with optional equipment such as infotainment screens, ticket vending machines, and video monitoring, as well as sliding steps or electric ramps to assist passengers with limited mobility.
The driver’s cabin features ergonomic design integrating a modern console, clearly arranged control panels, large display, comfortable and variably adjustable seat, and an optional external video system.
Modules feature full-glass large windows for a wider outside view and doors that illuminate the platform when they open.
Propulsion and power
The vehicle is fitted with four air-cooled three-phase asynchronous motors with a rated power output of 120kW each. The standard power supply voltage is 750V DC, while an optional 600V DC power supply is also available.
The tram is equipped with new-generation traction inverters and control systems. Electrical equipment is stored in containers on the roof of the vehicle and in the driver’s console.
Vehicles incorporate electro-dynamic braking and can be fitted with an optional on-board energy-storage unit, which can be used for storing braking energy through to catenary-free operation.
The Avenio M tram has a maximum speed of 80km/h and can run at a speed of 70km/h on metre-gauge railways.
