Electric multiple unit

An EMU is usually formed of two or more semi-permanently coupled carriages, but electrically powered single-unit railcars are also generally classed as EMUs.

EMUs are popular on commuter, and suburban rail networks around the world due to their fast acceleration and pollution-free operation,[1] and are used on most rapid-transit systems.

Being quieter than diesel multiple units (DMUs) and locomotive-hauled trains, EMUs can operate later at night and more frequently without disturbing nearby residents.

[3] The multiple unit traction control system was developed by Frank Sprague and first applied and tested on the South Side Elevated Railroad (now part of the Chicago 'L') in 1897.

Some of the more famous electric multiple units in the world are high-speed trains, including the: EMUs powered by fuel cells are under development.

Many are bi-modal taking energy from onboard battery banks and line pickups such as overhead wires or third rail.

A 6-car Siemens Nexas EMU arrives at Flinders Street station on the Upfield service in Melbourne , Australia.
A DART 8500 class commuter EMU at Howth Junction railway station, Ireland.
A Liverpool Overhead Railway carriage in the Museum of Liverpool . The first EMUs in 1893.
The prototype unit of JNR 201 series on public display at Harajuku Station in Tokyo , 13 May 1979. Next to it, a Yamanote Line 's 103 series train can be seen passing through
A 3rd-generation MEMU train produced by RCF and BHEL ( India )
Metro-North Railroad M8 married pairs in Port Chester , New York
A lineup of JR East Shinkansen trains in October 2012
APT-P (Class 370) at Carlisle, 1983
A China Railway High-speed CR400BF-G , in 2021
A Stadler Flirt Akku NAH.SH BEMU operated in Germany