France launches "EcoTrain" – a low-volume driverless regional train that has officially begun dynami

Rail Transit Exhibition News France has entered a new stage in the field of regional travel innovation, and the low-capacity fully automatic rail car EcoTrain has recently been publicly displayed and has started dynamic testing on secondary lines. This low-emission rail transportation solution designed for low-density feeders will provide a cost-effective operating model for under-trafficking lines.

The EcoTrain debuted at the end of November at the Socofer plant in the city of Tours. Originally conceived in 2019 by entrepreneur Philippe Bourguignon in collaboration with Socofer, Stratiforme and Clearsy, the project aims to meet the economic and operational needs of feeder lines, which often struggle to afford the investment of full-size vehicles. This compact 30-seater railcar is 12.5 meters long and 2.8 meters wide, with a four-wheeled twin-axle configuration and an axle load of only 8 tons. Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, it can achieve a range of 500 km on a single charge, a top speed of 70 km/h, and can handle a slope of 1:40. In addition to passenger design, it can also be configured to transport 2.5 tons of light cargo, which can be extended to rural logistics applications.

Accessible spaces are available in the vehicle, ensuring basic inclusivity. Built for enclosed driverless operation Unlike traditional vehicles, EcoTrain does not follow mainline standards, but meets light rail specifications, is suitable for segregated operations, and requires only a small amount of infrastructure modification. Bourguinon describes it as "user-friendly, economical and tech-packed", particularly suitable for GoA4 driverless capabilities.

The railcar is equipped with an on-board signaling system based on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and LiDAR (LiDAR), eliminating the need for trackside signaling infrastructure and significantly reducing operating costs. Its autonomous design is particularly suitable for rural areas with low-utilization lines without significant capital investment.

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