Brno tram converted for battery operation

The Czech technology company AZD has spent CZK 6.8M on a project to purchase Tatra KT8D5R tram from the city tramway in Brno and have it converted in the central workshops to permit battery operation. The double-ended eight-axle tram with a low-floor centre section that dates from 1990 underwent a comprehensive rebuild, with the centre section fitted with batteries and air-conditioning, the wheel sets converted to railway profile and other elements to permit railway operation such as headlights and warning horn. On 14 may the tram was taken to the Kopidno–Dolni Bousov railway line where it was unloaded to permit testing to start. The goal is to show that even a relatively simple and affordable vehicle can safely and reliably travel on railway and urban infrastructure. AZD hopes to obtain a permit from the Railway Authority to carry passengers. 

 

Milos Havránek, Director-general of Brno City Transport Company said, ‘For our colleagues in the central workshops, this contract was a great professional challenge. Rebuilding a standard tram into a vehicle that meets the specific requirements for operation on railway track required enormous expertise and precision. We are pleased that a piece of Brnop and our tram will continue to serve as part of this innovative project that will help find ways for the future of regional transport’.