Bye bye CO2: Eight customised hybrid metre-gauge multiple units built by Stadler for southern France
16.04.2025
Sustainable rail transport is on the horizon for the Chemins de fer de Provence (CP), following the contract signing by Région Sud and Stadler for the delivery of eight hybrid-powered multiple units. The vehicles, customised for CP's narrow-gauge network, feature battery technology, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 77 per cent. They will be manufactured in Bussnang.
The French railway company Chemins de fer de Provence (CP) and Stadler are paving the way for more environmentally friendly railway operations between Nice and Digne-les-Bains. The two companies have signed a contract for the delivery of eight two-car metre-gauge multiple units. This is one of Stadler's largest orders for the French market.
The vehicles are replacing CP's diesel legacy fleet and are equipped with a hybrid drive. The more environmentally friendly trains will be used on the 150-kilometre-long narrow-gauge line between Nice and Digne-les-Bains in the urban area of Nice. The metre-gauge multiple units run on battery power, while the hybrid drive comprises battery and a biodiesel-powered engine for use in rural areas. The hybrid drive significantly reduces CO2 emissions by up to 77 per cent compared to a diesel vehicle. A charging station for the battery is being built in Nice. The customised trains are 40 metres long and can carry around 180 passengers. They are manufactured at the Stadler plant in Bussnang in northeast Switzerland.
"Stadler is delighted with the order from Chemins de fer de Provence and very pleased to be building customised metre-gauge multiple units for this client. We are proud to be able to make a significant contribution to environmentally friendly mobility on this route in the Région Sud with the hybrid drive," says Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales at Stadler. "Passengers can look forward to travelling on state-of-the-art, comfortable trains, which take them to their destination in a more sustainable way."
Technical data
Client: Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Operational Network: Line Nice – Digne
Length of Operational Network: 151 km
Track Gauge: 1,000 mm
Minimum curve radius: 100 m
Designation: BEMU Bem 4/8
Power Supply: Diesel / Batteries
Number of Vehicles: 8
Commissioning: 2028
Seating Capacity: 86
Standing Capacity: 98
Total Capacity: 184
Length: 39,874 mm
Width: 2,500 mm
Height: 3,900 mm
Wheelbase of Bogie: 2,000 mm BoM / 1,700 mm BoP
Wheel Diameter BoM: 810 mm
Wheel Diameter BoP: 705 mm
Maximum Axle Load: 14 t
Maximum Power at Wheel: 800 kW
Starting Tractive Effort: 120 kN
Maximum Speed: 100 km/h
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