The US Standard Light Rail Vehicle (USSLRV) was considered for possible use on SEPTA, but it was rejected due to the many mechanical difficulties experienced by USSLRVs used on the Boston MBTA's Green Line and on Muni Metro in San Francisco as well as funding not being in place to acquire them if considered.

In the design phase, the finite element method was used to reduce weight, improve safety, and increase ease of maintenance.

The cars are not equipped with a wheelchair lift and have a high floor height of 3 feet (910 mm), requiring steps to get on and off platforms.

3 pedals that play the role of acceleration, braking, and a dead man's switch are installed under the console at the foot of the driver's cab.

The bogie frame has a structure that is easy to twist so that the wheels can follow and run stably even on a track in poor condition.

When driving, the alternating current is generated by the pedal angle, and the main circuit is continuously and smoothly controlled using a microprocessor.

On the roof, in addition to the current collector and various resistors, an air conditioning unit that keeps the temperature inside the car between 65 °F (18 °C) and 76 °F (24 °C) is installed.

To resolve this, SEPTA responded by modifying the trolley lines' infrastructure to match the vehicles made by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

These achievements laid the groundwork for many orders of Kawasaki's electric trains for the New York City Subway over the years.

In 2023, SEPTA awarded Alstom Transportation a $714.2 million contract to furbish 130 new low-floor trolleys, with an option for 30 more.

The trolleys will be of Alstom's Citadis family and will be 80 feet in length and fully ADA-compliant, which the current K-cars are not.