BDS 2000 E³
The next step - the hybrid machine
Environmental protection & sustainability
Good reasons for the hybrid machine E³

Our new drive concept allows the machine to be powered either via a diesel engine or via an electric motor using the electrical energy of the contact wire.


The 09-4X Dynamic Tamping Express E³ and the BDS 2000 E³ during a presentation in Salzburg in September 2015.
The EU Climate Goals 2030 comprise a comprehensive climate and energy package. Railway administrations such as Deutsche Bahn (German Railway) and Österreichische Bundesbahnen (Austrian Federal Railways) develop strategies for a sustainable network management. We want to help our customers work cost-efficiently and act flexibly under these conditions.
The solution we are offering is a new drive concept: it allows the machine to be powered either via a diesel engine or via an electric motor using the electrical energy of the contact wire. This applies to both, travelling and working. As a result, the local CO2 emission is nearly zero and in connection with the extensive noise protection measures our customers are enabled to meet the ecological framework conditions for infrastructure maintenance.
Cost-efficiency for the operator.


The operating controls can be accessed more easily during tamping work and the cockpit is more clearly arranged thanks to the new design.
Rising fuel prices, low work shift returns and high staff costs – this is the reality contractors have to face. The hybrid machine offers the operator numerous options to reduce the total costs for the long term: whenever current can be collected from the overhead line, the diesel main engine will be switched off. As a result, fuel consumption and, consequently, time and cost intensive refuelling is reduced. Moreover, a significant extension of the service intervals due to the lower mileage of the diesel engine lowers the costs.
The hybrid drive car.
The drive concept of the machine includes a diesel engine similar to those used so far, plus an additional electric motor for power supply via the overhead line. The electric components have been purchased from renowned manufacturers. We did not compromise on quality. The control system has been developed by Plasser & Theurer. This was pioneering work as this was the first track maintenance machine of this output category to be fitted with this drive system.
Indirect brake system with energy recovery.
The hybrid drive system enables a braking effect to be achieved due to the moment of the electric motor working as a generator during braking. The electricity generated can be fed back to the grid. If feeding the grid is not possible due to regulations of the railway administration, the energy can be reduced via a braking resistor mounted on the roof. Both scenarios lead to a longer service life of the brakes thanks to less wear.
Generator set for work breaks.
To ensure ecological operation of the on-board network during standstill, a generator set with a separate diesel engine is mounted on the machine. It supplies the machine’s electrical consumers such as lighting, ventilation, computer etc. with power when current collection from the overhead line is not possible.
Economic
- benefits the procurement of awards thanks to ecobonus
- avoids eco penalties
- extends the range of applications in urban areas and tunnels
- lowers the costs for fuel and logistics
- reduces maintenance costs of the drive
Ecologic
- complies with stricter environmental protection requirements
- reduces pollutant emissions
- uses “green” traction current
- emits less noise
Ergonomic
- reduces noise pollution and exhaust emissions
- offers ergonomically optimised and attractive workplaces