Draisy, the train that will revitalize rural lines

The SNCF and the Alsatian company Lohr have unveiled their latest creation: the Draisy train. This battery-powered electric vehicle aims to revitalize small rural lines, which are often threatened with closure.

With its square nose and avant-garde design, the Draisy will soon be making its debut in the Grand Est region. Its ambition is to establish itself as “the countryside train” and revive traffic on these secondary lines. With a capacity of 80 passengers (including 30 seats), this electric train offers several advantages.

“These secondary lines are rarely electrified, hence the need for an autonomous solution. The Draisy is a very light train – we are aiming for less than 20 tons – and compact, at only 14 meters long, which is the size of a bus. The goal is to reduce track wear and tear in order to save money,” explains Julien Rat, director of railway operations at Lohr.