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Alstom Prima

From Alfawiki
Alstom Prima
Company typeProduct line
IndustryRailway locomotive manufacturing
Foundedlate 1990s
FounderAlstom
ProductsDiesel and electric locomotives
ParentAlstom

Prima represents a series of railway diesel and electric locomotives manufactured by Alstom, with production commencing in the late 1990s. By 2008, approximately 1,750 units of the Prima family had been sold by Alstom. The second iteration, known as Prima II, was introduced in 2009, followed by the Prima H3 hybrid locomotive combining diesel and battery technology in 2013. The Prima lineup was eventually replaced by the Alstom Traxx range in mid-2023.

First generation

In 1998, the French national rail operator SNCF placed an order for 120 electric locomotives with Alstom, which was subsequently increased to 240 units intended for both domestic and cross-border freight operations. To fulfill SNCF’s specifications, ensure compliance with European interoperability standards, and appeal to international customers, Alstom developed a modular platform. This expansion of the Prima series included electric models that shared design characteristics with their diesel-electric counterparts.

By 2002, Alstom constructed a Prima demonstrator to investigate modular arrangements for onboard systems, driver cabs, and traction components. A multi-system Prima 6000 demonstrator was introduced in 2003 to demonstrate capabilities to the SNCB; this unit later functioned as a testbed for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and laid groundwork for the Prima II concept until it was retired in 2009.

Electric locomotives
Diesel locomotives

Second generation

On 20 May 2008, Alstom revealed the second generation of Prima locomotives under the name "Prima II". The prototype was publicly presented on 3 June 2009 at Alstom’s Belfort facility. These modular locomotives are engineered to allow reconfiguration throughout their operational life to accommodate varying customer requirements. The electric variants support up to four overhead voltage systems: 1.5 kV DC, 3 kV DC, as well as 15 kV AC and 25 kV AC, offering power outputs up to , with maximum speeds ranging between .

The design also permits adaptation for broader track gauges targeting markets such as Russia, India, and Finland—regions identified by Alstom’s sales division as significant prospects. Integration with the ERTMS signalling system facilitates seamless cross-border rail operations across Europe. Six-axle Co′Co′ versions are tailored for heavy freight applications with power ratings reaching up to , capable of speeds up to . A diesel variant is planned for future development.

The initial order for Prima II came from Morocco’s national railway company ONCFM in November 2007 for twenty electric locomotives. These units were delivered by late 2009 and entered service in 2010 for both passenger and freight use. Originally configured for operation on 3 kV DC electrification, they can be upgraded to handle 25 kV AC as Morocco expands its electrified network. ONCFM placed a subsequent order for an additional 30 locomotives in February 2018.

In November 2015, Alstom secured a €3 billion contract with Indian Railways to supply 800 double-section freight electric locomotives (classified as WAG-12) along with long-term maintenance services. This agreement includes setting up an assembly facility in Madhepura, Bihar, and maintenance depots located in Saharanpur and Nagpur. The Indian variants of the Prima will deliver power at wheel rim and achieve top speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Electric locomotives

Prima H3

Alstom initiated the development of the Prima H3 diesel/battery hybrid locomotive in August 2013, targeting primarily shunting tasks. The project was supported by a consortium of 19 companies under the Eco Rail Innovation (ERI) program and partially funded with €600,000 from the Bavarian government. The locomotive debuted at InnoTrans 2014 in Berlin, with production taking place at Alstom’s facility in Stendal, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

The H3 model measures 12.8 meters in length and 3.13 meters in width, weighing 67 tonnes with a maximum axle load of 22.5 tonnes. It incorporates an integrated flexicoil suspension system and a hydraulic bogie coupling mechanism provided by Liebherr. Certified to operate at speeds up to 100 km/h, it is suitable for short-distance mainline traffic without causing operational interruptions and is engineered for a service life of 40 years. The lineup includes several versions: H3 Battery (600 kW electric), H3 Hybrid (700 kW hybrid), H3 Dual Engine (700 kW dual engine), and H3 Single Engine (1,000 kW single engine).

The Battery variant is equipped with eight batteries producing 600 kW; the Hybrid combines a 350 kW diesel generator with a 350 kW battery pack; the Dual Engine features two diesel generators each rated at 350 kW; and the Single Engine uses a single diesel engine delivering 1,000 kW. Except for the battery-only version, all models carry fuel tanks with a capacity of 2,000 liters. The first two variants are tailored for industrial shunting and tunnel applications, while the latter two are intended for mainline duties and heavy shunting operations.

Operationally, the locomotive starts running solely on battery power and recharges during downtime either through plug-in charging or via an automatically engaged diesel generator rated at 350 kW when battery levels drop. This diesel unit complies with Stage IIIB emissions standards, cutting emissions by approximately 70% and reducing fuel consumption by half compared to conventional shunting locomotives, resulting in an annual CO2 reduction of around 400 tons. Deutsche Bahn indicates that battery-only mode accounts for between 50% and 75% of typical operation.

Since November 2016, Deutsche Bahn has been using five Prima H3 locomotives at Nuremberg Central Station and Würzburg Hauptbahnhof as part of an eight-year trial program evaluating hybrid technology. Besides Deutsche Bahn, industrial operators including Volkswagen, Audi, InfraLeuna, Mitteldeutsche Eisenbahn, and Chemion Logistik collectively operate no fewer than 19 units as of April 2017.

Operators

Prima
Prima II

Further information

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