Stadler’s innovative Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit or IPEMU has seen seven ordered by the Liverpool City Region and will be the very first of their kind to operate in the UK.

The battery-powered unit is just one of seven vehicles which will was shown by the Swiss Rail Manufacturer at the transport technology event

Liverpool City Region has also ordered 46 Class 777 Metro EMU’s which will be operated on the Merseyrail network and will completely replace the legacy fleet.

The innovative design of the battery-powered IPEMU marks Stadler‘s ongoing commitment to decarbonisation and reaching its ambition of net zero as part of its bid to support governments from around the world to decarbonise railways and create sustainable public transport. The state-of-the-art technology will see clients able to extend operations using non-electrified lines and therefore avoid costly infrastructure work whilst promoting integrated travel and boosting usage.

IPEMU’s have the ability to replace diesel-powered units and in turn, will see clients able to reduce their carbon emissions due to their ability to operate on non-electrified lines. The units can also operate at speeds of 80 km/h when fully charged and travel for distances of 55km on just one battery load.

Based on the Class 777, IPEMU’s also come with its basic functionality including the same internal specifications which see high levels of passenger comfort and the ability to carry the same number of people. The vehicles feature smooth ride quality with customers finding no difference in the EMU to IPEMU mode.

The vehicles come with a battery-based storage system with new battery traction equipment mounted on the underframe and a cooling system on the roof. IPEMU’s running on an electrified network will see the batteries charge via the third rail alongside regenerative braking. The impressive batteries are able to be recharged in under 15 minutes and can complete over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles.

Ralf Warwel, sales director for the UK and Ireland at Stadler, says: “This ground-breaking vehicle will be the first of its type to operate in the UK. It exemplifies Stadler’s focus on green technology, highlighting our determination to work with operators and governments all over the world to cut carbon emissions and tackle the climate crisis. It will boost the Merseyrail network, providing greater flexibility for our client and helping provide a more compelling transport offering for the residents of the Liverpool City Region.”

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority‘s Programme Director, David Powell, says: “The IPEMU concept has been an integral part of our strategy for the new fleet of trains for the Liverpool City Region. We are delighted to be one step closer to realising our vision of an expanded Merseyrail network without the need for electrification infrastructure. This will bring significantly improved, high-quality service and direct connectivity to a greater proportion of the 1.6 million people in our city region. The IPEMUs will also contribute to our carbon reduction strategy by using only 20% of the energy of the diesel-powered trains that they can replace.”