The January 2025 edition of the Europe’s Rail newsletter is out! We are happy to unveil our completely new design,...

With the aim of initiating a ‘technological awakening’ for rail freight transport, Europe’s Rail conducted a number of technical demonstrators (TD).
One of those investigated smart freight wagon concepts.
Based on this research, the TD delivered 3 technologies that could help generate the frameworks and functional requirements needed to enable the development of track-friendly, low-weight, low-noise, and high-speed running gear.
TRL: 4 (technology validated in lab)
• Using aluminium solutions reduces the weight of an empty wagon, leading to an increase in payload weight (900 kg).
• This feature improves current payload ratio by 13%.
• This payload increase would be also accompanied for by delivering better production costs, improving transport emissions, and decreasing maintenance requirements.
TRL: 7 (system prototype demonstration in an operational environment)
• Europe’s first covered wagon with sliding side walls has an increased volume of two square metres.
• Includes several sub-component optimisations that contribute to a greener and more efficient operation.
• The telematics and electrification systems enhance logistics capability and CBM concepts.
TRL: 6 (technology demonstrated in a relevant environment)
• EMW offers a new production model aimed at intermodal rail freight and primarily targets the high value/low volume market.
• EMW offers a 13% increase in payload, a 10% reduction in energy consumption, and is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 140 KPH.
• The wagon is expected to deliver between a 40-50% improvement in the specific cost of transport per unit.