FS Class E.464
| Company type | Electric locomotive series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Railway transportation |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | ABB Trazione (later ADTranz) |
| Headquarters | Italy |
| Products | Electric locomotives for commuter and passenger services |
| Parent | Bombardier Transportation (later Alstom) |
The E.464 represents a series of electric locomotives introduced by Italian railways in the 1990s, primarily designed for commuter and light passenger services. Acquired by FS Trenitalia to succeed older models such as the FS Class E.424 and FS Class E.646, this locomotive was engineered by ABB Trazione, which later became ADTranz (a division of Bombardier Transportation, itself acquired by Alstom in 2021), with production taking place at the Vado Ligure facility.
Each locomotive unit carries an approximate price tag of 2.6 million Euros. As of December 2015, with a fleet numbering 717 units, the E.464 stands as Trenitalia's most numerous class and holds the distinction of being Italy’s largest locomotive series.
History
The conception of the E.464 traces back to a modular locomotive project initiated by FS in the 1980s, aimed at developing versatile engines suitable for commuter, inter-regional, and freight operations. The original plan included both four-axle variants (E.453/E.454) and six-axle versions (E.665/E.666), with the freight-oriented E.666 being discontinued after the introduction of the more powerful E.652 Tigre. Additionally, advancements in inverter technology rendered the E.454 obsolete.
In 1994, FS tasked ABB with creating an economical new class leveraging existing prototypes and components derived from the E.412 model. The initial delivery of 50 units occurred between 1999 and 2000 in the Lazio region, where they quickly proved successful in service. Orders placed from 2001 through 2013 expanded the fleet to a total of 717 locomotives, reflecting an investment surpassing one billion Euros.
Starting August 2019, some units were assigned to long-distance Intercity routes in Sicily, replacing older E656 locomotives and enabling operational savings by running in pairs within reversible train sets. Beyond Trenitalia’s fleet, Ferrovie Emilia Romagna operates ten units while Trasporto Ferroviario Toscano uses one, bringing total deliveries across Italy to 728 locomotives.
Technology
The E.464 was Italy's first locomotive equipped with an automatic Scharfenberg coupling system, allowing for swift assembly of train sets. Its body is constructed from steel with an aluminium roof and painted in FS Trenitalia’s characteristic white and green colors.
This locomotive employs streamlined on-board electronics featuring two GTO thyristor choppers that regulate voltage supplied to two inverters, which in turn drive four three-phase asynchronous motors.
The motors are connected in a double-star configuration; if one inverter fails, they automatically switch to a delta connection powered by a single inverter. During braking phases, the motors function as generators enabling regenerative braking that recovers energy when line voltage is under 4000 V and nearby trains can absorb it; otherwise, energy is dissipated through a braking rheostat. The control system decides whether to feed electricity back to the overhead line or divert it to the rheostat.
Two static inverters (known as BUR) provide auxiliary systems with 450 V at 60 Hz AC power, supplying compressors and battery chargers among other equipment. BUR number one supports motor cooling at 352 V/58 Hz, while BUR number two powers other auxiliary functions. If one BUR fails, one motor fan is turned off and the remaining BUR supplies all auxiliary systems at full voltage and frequency.
The braking system combines regenerative/rheostat braking with disc brakes actuated by compressed air for complete stops. In cases of extended halts where air pressure falls below safe thresholds, spring-applied brakes automatically engage.
The coupling arrangement permits linking up to four locomotives together to haul heavy trains with total power exceeding that of a TGV. The E.464 is also compatible for multiple-unit operation with newer models such as the E.402.
A secondary driving cab equipped with limited controls is situated at the rear end for short-distance shunting tasks, restricted to speeds under .
Other operators
Bombardier manufactured 60 units specifically modified to operate with Vivalto double-decker coaches.
In addition to FS-Trenitalia—whose locomotives are frequently owned by regional administrations—E.464 locomotives are also utilized by regional companies such as Trenord in Lombardy and Ferrovie Emilia Romagna in Emilia-Romagna.
By April 2018, the total number of class E.464 locomotives reached 727: Trenitalia managed 717 units (numbered 464.001–464.717; with 464.029 removed following a 2009 accident, and including 464.880 previously operated by TFT), while TPER (formerly FER) operated 10 units (464.890–893, 464.901–906).
Accidents and incidents
- On 19 August 2020, a class E.464 locomotive positioned at the rear of an unattended runaway train departing from Paderno d'Adda derailed at Carnate-Usmate station, resulting in injuries to three individuals.