10,000th engine for Urbos trams

Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA) celebrates the production of its 10,000th motor for CAF URBOS trams
Following the milestone of producing its 5,000th electric motor for Wiener Linien in October 2024, TSA has reached another historic achievement: the completion of its 10,000th TMR 36-18-4 motor for the URBOS tram platform, manufactured by Spanish rolling stock company CAF.

What sets this motor apart is its design, which is specifically tailored to the low-floor chassis requirements of CAF URBOS trams. In a unique back-to-back configuration, two of these motors are bolted together on the non-driven end (NDE) and drive the wheels via angle gearboxes. This single-wheel drive concept enables precise control and enhances the vehicle’s efficiency.

One of the biggest challenges in developing the TMR 36-18-4 was ensuring effective cooling. As a self-ventilated, enclosed motor, it features an internal air circulation system that cools the windings while also protecting them from external environmental influences. Additionally, an outer cooling circuit acts as a heat exchanger, keeping the two airflows separate to prevent mixing. A specially developed heat dissipation system for the bearings on the NDE has proven its reliability in thousands of applications, ensuring the motor’s longevity.

“The TMR 36-18-4 is a prime example of TSA’s precision engineering and decades of expertise in traction drives. Producing the 10,000th motor for CAF URBOS trams demonstrates that our technology is not only reliable but also developed in close coordination with our customers to meet their specific project requirements,” says Robert Tencl, CEO of Traktionssysteme Austria.

CAF URBOS: Modern trams for urban environments
The CAF URBOS series includes modern low-floor trams and light rail vehicles designed for urban transport. In particular, the URBOS 100 and URBOS 3 models stand out for their modularity and adaptability to diverse city infrastructures. These trams offer high passenger comfort, full accessibility, and contribute to reducing urban emissions.

The partnership between TSA and CAF began more than two decades ago and has continued to grow ever since. Together, they have successfully delivered numerous projects that have improved public transportation in cities worldwide. The production of the 10,000th motor stands as proof to the trust and strong collaboration between both companies.

Looking ahead: Shaping sustainable mobility together
With global transportation challenges in mind, TSA and CAF remain committed to innovation and sustainability. The continued development of traction technologies and their adaptation to the needs of modern cities remain a top priority. Their longstanding partnership provides a strong foundation for pioneering future solutions in urban public transport.