On August 8, 2023, the first Impuls 2 type 36WEh Hybrid Traction Unit was put into service, which is a modified 36WEhd vehicle equipped with a dual-system (hybrid) drive. It allows for travel both under electric traction and on non-electrified routes, thanks to a combustion engine.
The presentation of the modified vehicle of the Koleje Wielkopolskie company took place at the Summer Railway Station in Poznań. The meeting brought together important figures associated with transport and media representatives. The speech that opened the event focused on the presentation of the modified vehicle, the achievements of the Koleje Wielkopolskie company, and the carrier’s ambitious plans for the future.
The event was attended by: Wojciech Jankowiak, Deputy Marshal of the Greater Poland Voivodeship; Robert Pilarczyk, Director of the Transport Department of the Marshal’s Office of the Greater Poland Voivodeship; Marek Nitkowski, President of the Management Board of Koleje Wielkopolskie; and Mikołaj Grzyb, Member of the Management Board of Koleje Wielkopolskie.
– We are proud to be able to showcase the modified Koleje Wielkopolskie vehicle – said Wojciech Jankowiak, Deputy Marshal of the Greater Poland Voivodeship – From this place, I would like to thank and congratulate the management board of the Koleje Wielkopolskie company – he added.
The presentation of the modified vehicle, named “Impuls,” which is the result of the joint efforts of the Koleje Wielkopolskie company and the Marshal’s Office of the Greater Poland Voivodeship, met with great interest from the media. Szymon Wiśniewski, an instructor train driver, discussed the technical aspects of the vehicle. He explained the process of switching from combustion to electric traction, presenting the advantages of this modification, such as increased speed (up to 160 km/h), flexibility in serving various routes, and its ecological nature. The gathered guests were able to closely observe the entire process of the vehicle’s transformation from combustion to electric. Employees of the Koleje Wielkopolskie company invited the meeting participants for a short trip, during which they could personally evaluate the effects of the introduced modifications.
– The innovative Impuls is the first Polish rail vehicle that has both an electric and a combustion drive – said Marek Nitkowski, President of the Management Board of Koleje Wielkopolskie – The use of innovative technology significantly increases the functionality and scope of the vehicle’s application. Depending on the needs, hybrid vehicles will be able to serve all seventeen sections of the lines on which our trains operate – he adds.
Deputy Marshal Wojciech Jankowiak and President Marek Nitkowski emphasized the importance of innovative solutions in rail transport. During the event, information was also provided about the project’s co-financing by the European Union and plans for the future, which include the modification of subsequent vehicles. In summary, today’s event was an important step towards modern and ecological rail transport. The inaugurated changes herald dynamic development and the positioning of Koleje Wielkopolskie as a leader in the public transport sector.
The remaining 36WEhd vehicles will be modified by the end of 2023.