SNCF Class B 81500, an example of an electro-diesel multiple unit

An electro-diesel multiple unit (EDMU) or bi-mode multiple unit (BMU) is a form of a multiple unit train that can be powered either by electric power picked up from the overhead lines or third rail (like an electric multiple unit – EMU) or by using an onboard diesel engine, driving an electric generator, which produces alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electric power (like a diesel-electric multiple unit – DEMU).

List of EDMUs

Asia

China

China Railway CR200J-SG Fuxing high-speed train is a power-concentrated electro-diesel (bi-mode) multiple unit specifically designed for plateau operation. Each train consists of HXD1D-J electric locomotive (power car) at one end, FXN3-J two-unit diesel locomotive (two power cars) at another end, and 9 25-T passenger coaches between them. Electric and diesel power cars have their own independent traction motor systems, but can be operated from cabs of each other. HXD1D-J is a special version of HXD1D electric locomotive manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive and FXN3-J is a special version of a FXN3 locomotive manufactured by CRRC Dalian – both of them have changed body design and are adapted for joint operation as part of a train. These trains are served on Sichuan–Tibet railway.

Oceania

Australia

NSW TrainLink Regional Train Project is building 117 bi-mode R set carriages (1.5kV DC) to replace its diesel fleet of interstate and regional XPT, Xplorer and Endeavour trainsets to be delivered by CAF from 2023.

Europe

France

SNCF B 82500 BMU

Bombardier has built dual-mode variants of its AGC series for the French operator SNCF; the electricity is collected by means of a pantograph.

  • B 81500 – multiple unit trains using 1.5 kV DC catenary. In service since 2005.
  • B 82500 – multiple unit trains using both 1.5 kV DC and 25 kV AC catenary. In service since October 2007.
  • Alstom Régiolis (B 83500, B 84500, B 85000, B 85900). In service since April 2014 (B 83500 and B 84500).

Italy

Netherlands

  • 18 bi-mode units of the Stadler WINK have entered service in 2021 with Arriva Netherlands. In addition to electric and diesel propulsion, these trains can also run on battery power.

Norway

  • 14 bi-modal variants of the Stadler Flirt trains, called Norske Tog Class 76[no] in Norway, held by the state owned Norske Tog and operated by the line operator SJ AB (as SJ Nord) entering service in 2021. This class is used on the regional train services around Trondheim.

Poland

EN63H West Pomerian Voivodeship operated by Polregio

Russia

  • DT1 (ДТ1) Russian-gauge multiple unit. In service since 2009.

Spain

Renfe Class 730

Renfe Class 730 – a bi-mode subversion of Renfe Class 130, a dual-gauge, dual-voltage high-speed power-concentrated electric multiple unit, a part of Talgo 250 family. In 2012, 15 original Class 130 trainsets were modified to Class 730 by replacing their end passenger coaches with diesel-generator cars. Each train consists of 13 cars, including 2 electric locomotive-like power cars, 2 diesel-generator cars and 9 passenger coaches. One train crashed in 2013, another 14 are still in use on Alvia services.

United Kingdom

British Rail Class 802

Electro-diesel multiple units whose electricity source is 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line include:

North America

New Haven #140 "Roger Williams", unique Budd railcar-based train at Danbury Railway Museum, Connecticut

United States

The following were retired from New York City service:

Mexico

See also