High-Tech electromobility up close: TSA motor as a highlight of new permanent exhibition “Material Worlds” at Vienna Museum of Science and Technology

New permanent exhibition at the Vienna Technical Museum features electric motor from global leader based in Wiener Neudorf
The Vienna Museum of Science and Technology has launched “Material Worlds“, its most extensive thematic redesign in 25 years. At the heart of the exhibition’s “Rare Earth Elements” section is a standout exhibit from Wiener Neudorf: the HD.T3 electric motor from Traktionssysteme Austria (TSA). As a real-world example of sustainable mobility, the motor represents cutting-edge technology developed and manufactured in Lower Austria. It powers electric buses in Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as mining and other heavy-duty on-road vehicles weighing up to 30 tons. Thanks to its compact design, exceptional efficiency, and long service life, the motor is considered a key enabler of zero-emission transport.

Specially sectioned for display, the HD.T3 ROAD motor is a showpiece of future-ready drive technology. Thanks to a cross-section cut through the permanent magnet synchronous motor, visitors can see the rare earth magnets, the rotor, and copper windings – components that come together with electric current and voltage to bring the motor to life. This exhibit offers a rare glimpse inside the workings of a high-tech electric drive motor.

The HD.T3 already drew considerable attention at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, the world’s largest rail and transport technology fair. Now, as part of the Material Worlds exhibition, it is on display for visitors at the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology – offering a compelling demonstration of the innovation and technical excellence behind this state-of-the-art electric motor.

“As a company headquartered in Wiener Neudorf, we are proud to now be represented at the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology,“ says Robert Tencl, CEO of Traktionssysteme Austria. “This exhibition gives us the opportunity to show what we develop and manufacture in Lower Austria – and how our products transport millions of people and goods around the world every day.“

Technical specifications – HD.T3 ROAD Motor

• Weight: 335 kg
• Max. speed: 4,500 rpm
• Max. output: 420 kW
• Max. torque: 4,000 Nm
• Efficiency: > 97%

Material Worlds: Discovering the building blocks of past, present, and future
With Material Worlds, the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology opens a new window into the fascinating world of materials. Visitors are invited to explore how materials shape our everyday lives – from extraction and processing to their application in modern industry. Alongside well-known raw materials such as steel and aluminum, the spotlight is also on high-performance materials that are critical for electromobility and sustainable technologies.

Spanning an impressive 3,000 square meters, the redesigned space – formerly dedicated to heavy industry – has undergone a complete transformation. To make room for 440 exhibits, including 300 brand-new objects, some multi-ton machines had to be relocated. The exhibition is divided into 13 thematic zones, each exploring different material groups and their properties – from natural resources like wood to advanced materials such as carbon fibers and silicone.
A key focus of the exhibition is sustainability: How can we recycle materials more efficiently? What innovative methods support resource-conserving production? Interactive media stations enrich the experience, offering deep insights into materials science and its industrial and societal relevance. A specially designed platform even allows visitors to view the museum from a whole new perspective – overlooking the grand central hall and the iconic historic locomotive 12.10.

Industry meets museum: Bridging innovation and education
The collaboration between Traktionssysteme Austria and the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology highlights the vital role of industry partnerships in education. Through real-world examples like the HD.T3 ROAD motor, technology becomes tangible. Visitors gain firsthand insight into the complex challenges and pioneering solutions driving today’s electric propulsion systems.