With around 2 million people visiting Florence each year, carbon-neutral transport is essential. Transport operator GEST, working with Florence Municipality, needed a solution to upgrade their outdated tramway infrastructure, while protecting its city’s iconic Renaissance style, and creating a cleaner, quieter environment for its people and visitors.

With the new tram up and running, sustainable battery technology permits zero emission travel around the busy and condensed city of Florence. Noise reduction technology is used onboard to lessen the tram’s impact in the city, with noise-levels kept to a minimum.

Equally important is the modernisation of the network - prioritising safety, reliability and passenger comfort. The new Sirio trams can travel up to 70km/h across the city and each tram is equipped with obstacle detection sensors to check the tracks and ensure the tram runs safely. The large window surfaces provide increased visibility for an improved passenger experience and integration with the urban environment.

The latest generation lithium-ion batteries give the best class performances on-board. The tram uses a DC/DC converter to properly control battery charging, for safety and efficiency. This innovation allows power to be returned to the batteries when the train brakes, reducing the overall amount of energy consumed.