SNCF will soon introduce its new double deck EMUs for regional service, based on Alstom's " Coradia Duplex " design. They will be delivered as EMU-2, 3, 4 or 5, with dual system traction equipment (1,5 kV DC / 25 kV 50 Hz). Each coach has one powered bogie (750 kW). The top speed is set to160 km/h. The EMU-2 and EMU-3 are numbered as Z-24500, with only one pair of pantographs on one end car, while EMU-4 and EMU-5 are numbered Z-26500, with one pair of pantographs on each end car.
Pre-series trainsets of all versions (2 to 5 coaches) are currently being tested on RFF network. Here, an EMU-5 version (composed of Z-26503 + Z-262503 + Z-261503 + Z-263503 + Z-26504) is standing in Ambérieu station, on its way to Aix-les-Bains. November 21st 2003. Close-up on a bogie and the pantographs of Z-26504. Digital photo by Romain Viellard (ceferist@wanadoo.fr)