- See also: Light Rail vehicle (US usage)
An
electric multiple unit or
EMU is a
multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using
electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate
locomotive, as electric
traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages. Most EMUs are used for passenger trains, but some have been built or converted for specialised non-passenger roles, such as carrying mail or luggage, or in departmental use, for example as de-icing trains. An EMU is usually formed of two or more semi-permanently coupled carriages, but electrically powered single-unit
railcars are also generally classed as EMUs.