The second EP20 electric locomotive to set off on a 5000 km run

The second prototype model of EP20 passenger electric locomotive for both voltage systems developed by TRTrans, joint venture of Alstom and Transmashholding, has been sent to the VNIIZHT proving ground in Scherbinka, Moscow oblast. Its assembly was completed at Novocherkassk Electric Locomotive Plant (NEVZ, part of Transmashholding CJSC) this March. In Scherbinka, EP20-002 will undergo a five thousand kilometer test run, the most important part of new locomotive tests.

Concurrently, tests of the first EP20 prototype model are in progress. By now, this locomotive has undergone pull and energy efficiency tests at the speed of up to 120 km/h; sanitary and hygienic tests for observance of cab microclimate parameters in winter and test run. Design engineers set upon electric locomotive operation at the Belorechenskaya Maikop high-speed proving ground (North Caucasian railways). This will be the site for pull and energy efficiency tests at the speeds of up to 160 km/h and summer sanitary and hygienic tests.

EP20 is planned to obtain the certificate of conformity in September 2012, whereas deliveries of these electric locomotives to Russian railways are scheduled by the year end.

EP20 is Russias first dual-system electric locomotivecapable of driving passenger trains at the speeds of up to 200 km/h. The locomotive is fitted with an IGBT transistor-based asynchronous motor drive. Engineering solutions being implemented will enable maintenance reduction by several times, increase in the run between repairs and energy saving. EP20 will be the basis for the base platform of electric locomotives that will be used to develop a family of passenger and freight electric locomotives of various types.