Each powercar will receive four transmissions, each connected to a 140 kW AC asynchronous motor. Each vehicle has two powercars (front and back) and therefore features a total of eight motor-transmission units. The new drive units are particularly suitable for fast acceleration. The transmission is a fully sprung SZH-455, a double-stage final drive with single key packet coupling, constituting particularly low axle mass.

The motor is encapsulated and has its own ventilation. It therefore has no contact to outside air and is cooled in a closed circuit. In view of the climatic conditions, both measures protect the unit against dust and hence ensure extra reliability.

Voith Turbo has configured a customer-specific drive system from individual components. Delivery of the Voith components to China will take place in October 2008. The vehicles are to be shipped from China to Africa still this year.

Voith Turbo, the specialist for hydrodynamic drive, coupling and braking systems for road, rail and industrial applications, as well as for ship propulsion systems, is a Group Division of Voith AG.

Voith sets standards worldwide for papermaking technology, power transmission, energy technology, and industrial services. Voith was founded in 1867. With approximately 37,000 employees, annual sales of € 4 billion and over 270 locations worldwide, Voith is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. Voith is an official partner of the initiative "Germany – Land of Ideas."