The cars that form a complete EMU set can usually be separated by function into four types : Power Car, Motor Car, Driving Car, and Trailer Car. Each car can have more than one function, such as a Motor-Driving Car or Power-Driving Car.
Driving Cars are similar to a cab car, containing a driver's cab for controlling the train. An EMU consist usually of two driving cars, resulting in only one driver's cab at each end of the train.
Trailer Cars are any car that carry no traction or power related equipments, and are similar to passenger cars in a locomotive-hauled train.
Some of the more famous Electric Multiple Units in the world are high speed trains: the Shinkansen in Japan and ICE 3 in Germany.
EMUs are also popular on commuter and suburban rail networks around the world due to their fast acceleration, pollution-free operation and quietness. Being quieter than DMU and Locomotive-drawn trains, EMUs can operate later at night and more frequently without disturbing residents living near the railway lines. In addition, tunnel design for EMU trains is simpler as provisions do not need to be made for diesel exhaust fumes.
