At the Railway Days 2025 conference in Bucharest, Nicolae Dragu, Rolling Stock Director at Alstom Transport Romania, presented the company’s approach to railway decarbonisation through battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) — a technology that bridges the gap between diesel traction and full electrification.
Under the theme of Railway Decarbonisation, Dragu described the growing need for flexible, efficient traction solutions that can operate seamlessly across both electrified and non-electrified sections. “Electrification remains the most efficient long-term solution,” he said, “but it requires high investment and long implementation times. Battery-electric trains offer a faster, cleaner alternative for many routes.”
A practical path to cleaner railways
Dragu explained that BEMUs combine the performance of conventional electric trains with on-board battery systems that recharge under the catenary or through regenerative braking. When operating on non-electrified track, the train switches automatically to battery mode, maintaining identical comfort and speed levels while producing zero direct emissions.
He noted that Alstom’s latest BEMU platforms, such as Coradia Continental and X’trapolis, provide ranges of 80–120 km in battery mode, recharging at terminal stations or “charging islands” along the route. This concept, already used successfully in Germany, France, and Ireland, enables operators to extend electrified service without waiting for full network upgrades.
“Battery trains are particularly effective for regional and commuter services,” Dragu said. “They require lower initial investment, have shorter delivery timelines, and can decarbonise transport on secondary lines where traffic density is moderate.”
Circular economy and lifecycle sustainability
The presentation also addressed the sustainability of battery systems. Alstom batteries are designed for a 7–10-year lifespan, after which they can be repurposed for stationary energy-storage applications. Up to 95% of materials can be recycled, and European legislation is now advancing to ensure the responsible reuse of critical resources.
Dragu highlighted Alstom’s “second-life” and recycling partnerships, noting that the company already offers full end-of-life solutions for traction batteries. “Circular economy principles are integral to how we design, build, and maintain trains,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Dragu emphasised that technology alone is not the challenge. “What we need is a unified approach between infrastructure and rolling stock,” he said. “Battery-electric trains are not just a bridge solution — they are a cornerstone of Europe’s transition to zero-emission rail mobility.”
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