Bombardier unveils light rail platform, e-mobility solution

“Shaping the Future of Mobility” is the theme under which Bombardier Transportation will showcase its innovative products and solutions at the EXPO.

Bombardier Transportation unveiled its new cutting-edge light rail vehicle platform at its exhibit at the APTA 2011 EXPO in Hall H of the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center on Monday, Oct. 3. The new rail vehicle platform, the FLEXITY Freedom LRV, was specifically designed for the North American market.

With the FLEXITY platform, Bombardier was the first in the industry to combine 100 percent low-floor technology with conventional axle wheel-set bogies. The low-floor entrance is combined with an active leveling system to ease boarding and exiting. Its entirely step-less interior facilitates easy access to all passengers and provides enhanced accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers.

The FLEXITY Freedom LRV also features an improved and extra-wide carbody concept, better corrosion protection, an improved cab structure, an enhanced air-conditioning system, a unique driver's cab configuration and the second generation of Bombardier Mitrac traction equipment. In addition, it also showcases exchangeable front modules and a flexible interior design with numerous possibilities for customization.

Bombardier has more than 3,500 trams and light rail vehicles operating or on order in around 100 cities in more than 20 countries.

As an option, the FLEXITY Freedom LRV can also be equipped with the new Bombardier Primove technology, a groundbreaking e-mobility solution that provides wireless and contactless emission-free mobility for all electric rail and road vehicles including cars, buses, trams and trucks.

"After successfully concluding the initial tests on LRVs and buses, Bombardier is now testing the application of Primove technology on cars as well, aiming to make this available for commercial operation shortly," said Jeremie Desjardins, head of Bombardier's PrimoveCity program.

Based on inductive power transfer, Primove technology uses wireless transmissions of energy between components buried under the road or track surface and components installed unobtrusively under the vehicles. Vehicles are powered regardless of whether they are in motion or at rest, even under adverse weather and ground conditions such as snow, rain, ice, sand or water.

Another highlight of the exhibit was the Bombardier ALP-45 Dual Power locomotive, with hybrid-propulsion technology that can operate both as an electric locomotive under catenary, as well as a diesel-electric locomotive on non-electrified train routes.