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Siemens Mobility

Siemens Velaro

A high-speed train family with distributed traction: power is spread along the trainset rather than concentrated in one locomotive.

Siemens Velaro — High-speed Train
Андрей Суриков · CC BY 2.5
Siemens Velaro — High-speed Train
Glucke · CC BY-SA 3.0
Siemens Velaro — High-speed Train
Kim FOR sure (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Overview

Velaro is a family of high-speed trainsets. Its defining feature is distributed traction: motors are spread beneath the train and there is no separate locomotive at each end. That arrangement leaves more passenger space for the same overall length.

At high speed, what matters is less power than the management of resistance. Aerodynamic drag rises steeply with velocity, so nose shape, body joints and pantograph placement sit at the centre of the design.

Rail vehicles embed their route in infrastructure. Designing a high-speed train also means designing the line, the signalling and the maintenance regime together; the vehicle alone is not a solution.

Details

Brand
Siemens Mobility
Category
High-speed Train
Body
High-speed train
Propulsion
elektrik
Produced
2000–