The eight new cars, built by Stadler, will replace the previous ones dating from the 1930s and 1960s, the Pilatus Railway company said on Tuesday. The company plans to have them in service in time for the 2023 summer season (the rail line up to the 2,132 metre-high Pilatus summit runs from May to November each year).
While the new cars are no bigger than the old ones – due to the narrowness of the tunnels on the 4.6-kilometre stretch – they operate according to the same cog-wheel system, which has been in operation since the line was opened in 1889. However, they will be able to climb the mountain around 10 minutes faster than their predecessors.
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They also use around 30% energy than the current cars, largely thanks to a technology which can convert braking energy on the descent into electric energy to power the ascent.
The whole renewal of the fleet – as well as renovation work on the tracks – cost the company some CHF55 million ($55.7 million).
The Pilatus rail is the steepest cog-wheel line in the world, with some sections ramping up to a gradient of 48%.
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Swiss Federal Railways expands night-train service
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The latest Swiss train timetable, which came into effect on Sunday, provides new long-distance and regional connections.
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Chimpanzee behaviours passed down through generations
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Switzerland launches national digital inclusion alliance
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Swiss panoramic train to debut in December
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Swiss railways celebrate anniversary with historic trains
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Celebrations have been launched to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the first time-table railway route in Switzerland.
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Swiss mechanical and electrical engineering sectors boosted by a significant rebound in export sales and new orders in the first half of 2021.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.