For over ten years, E³ has stood for economic - ecologic - ergonomic: three key pillars for the success of this innovative machine series. Economic, environmental, and ergonomic benefits come together in synergy.
Economic benefits of the electric drive system
The focus is on the paradigm shift towards the use of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. This starts with the drive, which is electrically powered in E³ machines, and continues through to the heart of the track maintenance machines, the tamping units, which are also electrically powered. The overhead contact line provides power. In overhead contact line installation, batteries supply the work units.
This results in clearly measurable economic benefits: up to 177 euros can be saved per hour due to lower energy and operating costs.
Greater energy efficiency and fewer emissions
Ecologically speaking, energy efficiency is significantly increased by switching to electric drives, as the electric propulsion system is much more efficient than an internal combustion engine. Simultaneously, the use of fossil fuels and lubricants is declining noticeably. E³ machines reduce local CO₂ emissions to zero and also reduce noise by up to 20 dB(A).
Redesigned workstations and environments significantly improve the ergonomic design of the machines. This leads to greater work safety and comfort for the machine operators.
The E³ range already covers tamping, ballast distribution and ballast profiling, stabilization of tracks and turnouts as well as overhead contact line construction and maintenance.

Time for the next big steps
How can the necessary capacity increases on rail be implemented? How can we speed up authorization processes? And how can we address the lack of qualified staff?
Plasser & Theurer’s new E³ machine system for track maintenance provides concrete answers to these questions. Answers which are far-reaching for the future of track maintenance.
- Performance | An optimum interaction makes mechanized track maintenance more efficient than ever
- Future viability | Ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow in terms of operation, decarbonization, and proof reports
- Attractive workspace | Ergonomic operation with intelligently networked assistance systems and automated functions
- Zero emissions | Tamping, stabilizing, and profiling without CO₂
- Cost-efficiency | Reduce life cycle costs with sustainable investment
- Predictable authorization time | A system concept optimized for the 4th Railway Package