E1000 series
| Industry | Rail transport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1948 |
| Headquarters | Taipei , Taiwan |
Area served | Taiwan |
| Products | Railway services, including E1000 locomotive push-pull trains |
| Website | www |
The E1000 locomotive, referred to as the PP Tze-chiang', comprises a fleet of electric push-pull train units managed by the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) for the Tze-chiang limited express route. These locomotives were produced by Union Carriage & Wagon alongside GEC-Alsthom, while the passenger carriages were constructed by South Korea's Hyundai Precision & Industries and Tang Eng Iron Works.
History
Designed as a successor to the EMU100 series, the E1000 series emerged following a 1994 contract in which TRA engaged South Korean firm Hyundai Precision & Industries to manufacture 64 locomotives and 400 passenger coaches at a cost of 7.2 billion NTD. The passenger cars were assembled by Hyundai, whereas the locomotives came from Union Carriage & Wagon and GEC-Alsthom. The first deliveries occurred in April 1996, with operations commencing in September of the same year.
Although initially acclaimed for their sleek aesthetics, these trains soon encountered operational challenges such as recurrent traction motor breakdowns and inadequate power output, often necessitating an extra locomotive for assistance. The stainless-steel coaches lacked paint and instead featured decals that deteriorated over time, causing public dissatisfaction and earning the nickname "Beggar Gang Train." Maintenance difficulties intensified after Hyundai merged with Rotem and withdrew technical support in 2003. In 2005, TRA filed a lawsuit against Hyundai seeking 1.7 billion NTD in damages; however, this legal action was never concluded. Consequently, the Minister of Transportation prohibited South Korean companies from participating in future bids until these concerns were addressed. A settlement amounting to 300 million NTD was ultimately reached in 2018.
By 2010, refurbishment efforts overseen by Alstom enhanced locomotive dependability, and repainting resolved exterior appearance issues. Despite these setbacks, the E1000 series continued to play a vital role within the Tze-chiang fleet due to its scale and began substituting DMUs along electrified routes on Taiwan's East Coast. A TRA report published in 2015 recommended considering replacement options as the series approached three decades of service.
Features
Configured in a push-pull arrangement with locomotives positioned at both ends, the E1000 series operates using power supplied via overhead lines. Each unit is equipped with four motors generating a total output of approximately 2,336 kilowatts (3,133 hp). Typically, these trains consist of 12 to 15 passenger coaches. Bogies are provided by Krauss-Maffei, while braking systems are manufactured by Knorr-Bremse.
Dining cars and reconfiguration
Originally, the E1000 fleet included 32 dining cars; however, after discontinuation of onboard meal services, these cars were repurposed—initially serving briefly as baggage cars before being reconfigured for passenger use. At present, 11 have been adapted to accommodate passengers with disabilities, whereas 20 operate as "family cars," featuring customized seating arrangements, play areas for children, and breastfeeding facilities.