Metrowagonmash is to supply the St Petersburg Metro with two battery electric locomotives for shunting and maintenance duties.

The locos are scheduled to be delivered by May 2022, as part of a programme to renew the metro’s non-revenue fleet during 2020-25.

They will be able to use the metro’s normal traction supply, or the onboard battery if external power is not available. They will be based on the bodyshell of a Type 81-714 metro car, with reinforced frames, the batteries housed in the passenger space, two cabs each with space for up to four staff, and two asynchronous traction motors per bogie giving a maximum speed of 90 km/h.

Eight video cameras will provide forward-facing and track inspection views as well as coverage of the inside of the battery compartment.

The locos are designed for a service life of 50 years.