Leading sustainable rail transportation

Rail transport is a cornerstone of sustainable mobility. ABB provides innovative traction solutions that ensure energy efficiency, reliability, and high performance across the entire spectrum of rail vehicles.

What sets us apart

ABB Traction delivers innovative and field-proven solutions that combine global expertise with sustainability, efficiency, and reliable performance for every rail application.

Energy efficiency

Best in class energy efficiency to improve sustainability and lower total cost of ownership.

Reliability

Decades of experience for field proven reliability and availability.

Field proven technology

Light weight & compact solutions to maximize capacity

Flexibility

Scalable solutions for all types of rail vehicles, from light rail to high-speed.

Comprehensive portfolio

#1 independed traction system supplier with broad portfolio offering.

Experience

Over 100 years as a trusted partner to the railway industry with a global footprint.

Highlights and references

Retrofitting diesel locomotives with ABB traction systems enables sustainable hybrid operation

The Swiss-based Müller Technologie is using ABB traction equipment to upgrade old diesel locomotives to hybrid and overhead line operation. The ABB technology will enable three driving modes, giving the locomotives great flexibility and a new life to meet the environmental requirements. The capability for zero-emission operation will be especially useful at work sites and in tunnels.

Hybrid maintenance vehicles help Austria’s railways to decarbonize

Maintenance vehicles manufactured by Plasser & Theurer will reduce CO₂ and noise emissions, improve health and safety at work sites, and boost the productivity of the railway maintenance operations in Austria.

ABB and Škoda Group power up Czech railways with new battery-electric trains

ABB will supply 195 Pro Series traction battery packs for 15 new battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) for České dráhy, under a long-term partnership that includes a 15-year service agreement.

ABB secures $150 million traction contract to power Australia’s QTMP trains and announces new facility in regional Queensland

ABB will supply complete traction packages for 65 new six-car passenger trains for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP)

Converting Adelaide Metro into Australia’s first-ever diesel-hybrid train fleet

ABB traction battery technology has enabled 44 Adelaide Metro train sets to be converted to diesel-hybrid operation, with a further 6 sets to be converted in the coming months. The solution has reduced noise and emissions to improve the travel experience for the nearly 16 million commuters a year who use the service.

Traction Solutions for Rail vehicles

Traction Converter

Integrated high-performance traction converters combining propulsion and auxiliary power in a single, compact, and reliable unit.

Auxiliary Converter

ABB offers a comprehensive range of high performance auxiliary converters. All the ABB auxiliaries are realized using pre-validated power modules controlled by a standard software library.

Battery Charger

ABB's ultra-compact and lightweight battery charger sets a new benchmark in railway applications, combining Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology with unmatched integration flexibility.

Energy Storage Converter

ABB's Energy Storage Converter (ESC) solutions are built on ABB’s proven standard platform — combining robust hardware and flexible software architecture to ensure seamless integration and reliable performance.

Traction Battery

ABB Traction Batteries are lithium-ion onboard energy storage systems designed for maximum safety and long lifetime. They can be used as traction or auxiliary batteries across road, off-highway, and railway vehicles.

Traction Motor

Highly efficient, customizable solutions designed for optimal performance across diverse applications and drive cycles.

Related Videos

At ABB, we’re helping make sustainable rail transport a reality. See how our traction technologies are driving the rail industry toward a leaner and cleaner future.

Looking to retrofit your existing rail vehicles?

Extend the life and performance of your existing fleet with ABB’s retrofit solutions — enhancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability without the need for complete replacement.