Russian freight railway manufacturer UralVagonZavod (UVZ) has launched a prototype tram using smart LED lights ahead of the next World Cup games, according to a CNBeta.com report.

The report noted one of the new tram design features is “LED mood lighting” system that can adjust the lighting according to surrounding environment brightness.

Color dimmable LED lighting systems are also incorporated to the exterior of the tram, which allows it to turn into different shades of colors.

The Russian One Tram exterior uses reflective material on the exterior, and is said to be using color tunable LED light designs too, according to Chinese media reports. (All Photo Courtesy belong to UralVagonZavod)

According to the UVZ press release, Russia One Tram (“R1”) is a new generation transport vehicle, which has no analogues in Russia. It was developed at OJSC “Uraltransmash” (a part of UVZ Corporation located Yekaterinburg) based on a 71-409 model car. It has improved performance and a completely new exterior and interior design.

Experimental Design Office “Atom” headed by Alexey Maslov, was focused on the contemporary design. Alexey Maslov commented on the Sci-Fi design of the tram: is it shaped like a crystal – a jewel in a metal shell. And crystal because it reflects the city in which it moves. This means that the car will perfectly integrate into any landscape - forest, industrial area, any sort of modern buildings.

Models line up next to the prototype R1 tram.

The overhanging cabin nose is another innovation in terms of design. Firstly, the tram is not a high-speed Japanese train, it doesn’t need super aerodynamics. The tram's average speed is 24 km/h and its aerodynamics can be negative given its weight. Secondly, such cabin gives the driver a 30 percent wider view both in the front and on sides. It minimizes the risk of running over pedestrians.

The company even went as far as claiming the R1 tram is "iPhone on rails" that meets the highest requirements of our time. It’s more ergonomic, modern and cost-efficient than its western analogues. Its bidirectional, the body is made of compositional materials, it has a modular design, which allows setting a unique cabin for each city. The tram can hold 190-270 passengers, depending on configuration.

The R1 interior is rather spacious and has a futuristic design.The CNBeta.com report noted a lot of LEDs are used for the interior lighting.

According to Uraltransmash specialists, they used 100 percent low-floor tested bogeys. The bogeys are produced in Russia and entirely of Russian units, which makes them two times cheaper than western ones are. This is significant, because the cost of the bogey makes the largest part of the cost of the whole tram. R1 tram can travel smoothly even on imperfect rails due to unique design features of the bogey. Moreover, R1 is equipped with Wi-Fi, GPS, GLONASS navigation, seven HD-CCTV cameras, air-conditioning, anti-bacterial handrails and many other innovations.

R1 is a prototype. It must pass the test. A lot of work is to be done before concept car can be put in mass production. It’s quite possible that in 2015 its mass production will start. Uraltransmash tram production facilities are being upgraded. These trams are expected to run in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhy Novgorod, Yekaterinburg and Volgograd. There is a plan to develop a new tram that will run underground, on the basis of this concept”, said Alexey Nosov.

A front view of the tram.