Triebfahrzeug

Triebfahrzeug is a term used in railway terminology to denote any self-propelled vehicle that can move on rails under its own power. It includes locomotives, railcars and multiple-unit trains that carry propulsion equipment and can operate without a separate locomotive. The category covers vehicles used for passenger and freight service as well as shunting and special operations; it excludes unpowered wagons and trailers that require a separate traction unit to move.

Classification and propulsion types: Triebfahrzeuge derive their power from various energy sources. Electric Triebfahrzeuge, such as electric locomotives and electric multiple units, obtain traction energy from overhead lines or third-rail systems. Diesel Triebfahrzeuge, including diesel locomotives and diesel multiple units, use internal combustion engines. Modern traction also includes hybrid and, in some cases, battery or fuel-cell powered variants. A Triebfahrzeug can be a single powered unit or a set of vehicles where one or more units provide traction, such as EMUs and DMUs; non-powered cars within the set are also part of the overall vehicle configuration.

Operational and regulatory context: The operator of a Triebfahrzeug is typically referred to as the Triebfahrzeugführer, licensed to operate the vehicle type. The term is widely used in German-speaking railways and in European interoperability standards to distinguish self-propelled units from trailers and freight wagons. It underpins maintenance, control, and safety requirements for propulsion equipment, braking systems, and power supply, as well as compatibility with signaling and train protection systems.