photo: Talgo/https://www.talgo.com/ecx/New DB´s ECx long-distance vehicles
The Spanish train manufacturer Talgo and Knorr-Bremse, a specialist in brake systems, have signed a contract to equip 23 new ECx long-distance vehicles. These will then be operated by Deutsche Bahn. This contract also includes an option to equip another 77 cars. The total order contains 100 cars.
In the first quarter of 2021, Knorr-Bremse must supply Talgo with braking, ventilation and intake systems and windscreen wiper units. These brake systems are equipped with EP Compact brake control. They also have VV-270T compressors, steel brake discs and brake pads. The locomotives are then equipped with magnetic belt brakes.
Air conditioning for these new cars is supplied by Merak, a global subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse for integrated air conditioning solutions. Specifically, these are HVAC units. Thanks to the installation of these units, it will be possible to use strong and energy-saving cooling power in cars even at temperatures around 40°C.
Another part of Knorr-Bremse concern, which is involved in equipping new cars, is their division IFE. It will supply doors of the E3D-e1 type. These doors meet the necessary requirements, for example, for people with reduced mobility. Passengers will thus have better comfort when boarding.
In 2022, testing of cars in operation will be completed and ECx cars will gradually begin to replace older cars, thus further modernizing the DB fleet. From 2023, these cars will run on national and international routes in DB colours.
ECx cars are designed primarily for long-distance routes. They are designed to be faster and more comfortable. At present, these cars can be seen on international routes, for example, between Berlin and Amsterdam. The main time saving arises when crossing borders because with these trains it is not necessary to change the locomotive. The locomotives from Talgo are multi-system.
Talgo and DB have signed a contract to deliver 23 trainsets that will provide passengers with a total of 570 seats. The contract is worth EUR 550 million.