First “Superspårvagnen” in Gothenburg, a 45-meter LRV equipped with KIEPE technology enters passenger service operation

• The first of 60 high-capacity M34 light rail vehicles destined for Göteborgs Spårvägar and the Västtrafik transport association have gone into regular revenue service operation in Gothenburg

• As Alstom’ consortium partner, KIEPE is responsible for the supply of reliable traction inverters and auxiliary power supply systems

• The incoming M34 fleet builds on the successful partnership between Alstom and KIEPE in Gothenburg, as 40 M33 generation trams have been delivered recently and operate with a high degree of reliability

The first M34 light rail vehicles (LRV) began operating in Gothenburg, Sweden, in January, 2025. The people of Gothenburg have already dubbed them Superspårvagnen ("super LRV") due to their enormous length of 45 meters. The customer, the operator Göteborgs Spårvägar and the transport association Västtrafik, ordered a total of 60 of these high-capacity low-floor LRVs from the Alstom and KIEPE consortium. Like the previously delivered M33 LRVs, this generation of LRV is equipped with electric drive technology from KIEPE that will help to strengthen the metropolis's public transport in terms of performance, reliability and sustainability.

The new LRV has already become an integral part of Gothenburg's cityscape in a short period of time. The M34 LRV features a slightly angular face, a spacious interior design and a traditional blue and white paint scheme. These unidirectional low-floor LRVs M34 are being built at Alstom’s factory in Bautzen and are equipped with KIEPE traction invertersand auxiliary power supply systems. Each train is 45-meters in length and has a capacity for up to 319 passengers and will thus help to cope with the increasing passenger volume in Gothenburg. These modern LRVs aim to impress their passengers with improved accessibility, safety, comfort and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Katharina Vagts, Vice President for Project Execution at KIEPE: "We are proud to be able to contribute to the development of advanced, modern and sustainable local transport in Gothenburg with our technology. I have been delighted to see that the M33 generation, which we equipped, has proven itself to be a workhorse through their high reliability and millions of accumulated revenue service miles! We want to continue to demonstrate our commitment, and maintain the trust of our customer Göteborgs Spårvägar and Västtrafik transport association."

Felix Caspari, Project Manager at KIEPE: "Our consortium and the customer are working together efficiently on this performance-oriented project. It was a great achievement to put the last M33 vehicles into operation and at the same time launch the M34 vehicle generation. These new vehicles benefit from product improvements in the existing fleet. Now our focus is working to ensure that the delivery and commissioning of the other 45-meter LRVs are just as successful as the M33 program." 

KIEPE integrates complete electrical system and traction

As part of the M34 program, KIEPE supplies and integrates a complete electrical system and traction from a single source and has committed to providing a service team on-site 24/7. The operator in Gothenburg places great importance on the accessibility and spaciousness of the LRVs, and this also includes enhanced driver amenities and passenger comfort. KIEPE's electrical equipment solutions actively contribute to this. In addition to amenities such as charging options for mobile devices, the M34 design also offers the sustainable use of waste heat to heat the passenger compartment. Furthermore, KIEPE's electric vehicle concept was impressive with its space-saving hardware, and the traction inverter and auxiliary power supply system were housed in a common combination container on the vehicle roof. KIEPE’s fleet management supports the operator in the service and maintenance of the vehicle fleet with data obtained from the various installed subsystems, which the modular Train Control Management System (TCMS) combines into a functional overall electrical system.

Captions: 

(M34-Super-LRV Göteborg-Västtrafiks-Eddie Löthman 01 und 02) The first new, 45-meter-long "Superspårvagnen" (super LRV) from Alstom and KIEPE have arrived in Gothenburg. Each of the 60 trams offers space for up to 319 passengers. | © Västtrafik AB, Eddie Löthman 

(M34-Super-LRV Göteborg-Västtrafiks-Eddie Löthman 03) The electrical equipment from KIEPE, including information systems and USB charging stations, contributes to passenger comfort on the new Gothenburg M34 LRV. | © Västtrafik AB, Eddie Löthman