The Ce 4/6 was the first electric railcar ordered by the SBB. It was intended for suburban service on lines which had already been electrified and was to be powerful enough to haul additional passenger cars. To keep the axle load below 16 tonnes, both bogies had received an additional carrying axle between the two powered axles. The body was constructed of wood and only clad with metal. 19 railcars were delivered between 1923 and 1927, together with additional driving trailers. Their multiple controls were also compatible with other railcars and locomotives. In the level, they could haul 150 tonnes. This was reduced to 100 tonnes on inclines of 2.6 percent and on long descents, they were not allowed to lead further cars without the help of another railcar or locomotive since they did not have dynamic brakes.
In 1956, when third class was replaced by second class, they became the Be 4/6. This sometimes led to confusion with the locomotive of the same designation. Between 1961 and 1965, 18 of the 19 railcars had their wooden bodies replaced by all-steel ones. At the same time, the power was increased and the top speed was changed from 75 to 90 km/h. In this form they had a long service life and the last one was only withdrawn in 1995.
