36 Class 398 Tram trains are on order, one of which was shown at the recent Innotrans Exhibition in Berlin. The first unit to take to the rails in the Uk is currently being tested in Leicestershire.
The tram-trains will mostly operate using electricity from 25kV overhead wires but can also be powered by their on-board batteries, avoiding the high cost of rebuilding bridges for 25kV electrical clearance.
The tram-trains will automatically switch to battery as they approach each bridge, where the overhead wire will not be energised. Also overhead wiring will not be needed at complex track layouts, notably at Cardiff Queen Street station, or at stations where electrical clearances would be a challenge.
The tram-trains will automatically switch to battery as they approach each bridge, where the overhead wire will not be energised. Also overhead wiring will not be needed at complex track layouts, notably at Cardiff Queen Street station, or at stations where electrical clearances would be a challenge.
