Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.

Their core work

CAF is a major Spanish railway rolling stock manufacturer that designs, builds, and maintains trains, trams, and rail subsystems. Within H2020, they contribute deep industrial expertise in traction systems, train control and management systems (TCMS), braking, signalling, and freight wagon design. They are a key player in the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, driving the development of next-generation rail technologies from SiC power electronics to autonomous train operation. Their work spans the full vehicle — from propulsion and running gear to communication systems and cybersecurity — making them a complete rail systems integrator.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2018), CAF focused heavily on core rolling stock R&D: SiC traction development, noise reduction, brake adhesion modelling, and reliability/maintenance for conventional rail vehicles. From 2019 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward digitalization and autonomy — moving block signalling, cybersecurity, zero on-site testing, autonomous train operation (ATO), and 5G rail communications. The late addition of hydrogen fuel cells (FCH2RAIL, their largest single grant) signals a further pivot toward decarbonized rail propulsion.

CAF is transitioning from a traditional rolling stock manufacturer toward an integrated provider of autonomous, connected, and zero-emission rail systems.

How they like to work

CAF operates as both a project leader and a deeply embedded industrial partner. They coordinated 4 projects (notably the multi-phase CONNECTA series and TAURO) while participating in 13 others and contributing as a third party in 10 — a pattern typical of large OEMs who provide in-kind technical work across the Shift2Rail programme. With 245 unique partners across 21 countries, they are a well-connected hub in the European rail research ecosystem, not dependent on a narrow circle of collaborators.

CAF has collaborated with 245 distinct partners across 21 countries, forming one of the denser networks among European rail OEMs in H2020. Their partnerships span railway operators, signalling companies, research institutes, and universities across the EU, with particularly strong ties through the Shift2Rail programme.

What sets them apart

CAF is one of very few European rolling stock manufacturers that covers the entire technology stack — from power electronics and traction to TCMS, signalling, and autonomous operation — within a single company's R&D portfolio. Unlike competitors who may specialize in one subsystem, CAF's H2020 footprint shows they can integrate across mechanical, electrical, and digital domains. Their sustained multi-phase commitment to Shift2Rail (CONNECTA 1-2-3, PINTA 1-2-3, FR8RAIL I-IV) demonstrates both technical depth and long-term reliability as a consortium partner.

Highlights from their portfolio

• FCH2RAIL
  Largest single grant (EUR 5.5M) — developing a fuel cell hybrid powerpack for trains, marking CAF's strategic entry into hydrogen rail propulsion.
• CONNECTA-3
  Third phase of a series CAF coordinated from the start, demonstrating sustained leadership in next-generation train control and management systems.
• TAURO
  CAF-coordinated project on autonomous train operation — positions them at the frontier of driverless rail technology including environment perception and remote driving.