Light rail traffic is becoming a favored city traffic system because of its less pollution to
environment, saving energy, less investment, quick benefit and big freight volume. The
technologies of urban light rail vehicles are developing quickly. In this paper, the development of
urban light rail vehicles is discussed in detail from the aspects of car-body, running gear and electric
drive system, which involves the technologies of low floor, independent wheels and IGBT,etc.
Meanwhile, the present application of light rail vehicles overseas is briefly introduced, and the
future developing trend of light rail vehicles in cities is analyzed.