The present invention relates to an energy management and distribution system for a railbound vehicle (1 ), comprising: - a plurality of power electronic traction transformers (5) for coupling to an AC catenary (3) for receiving high-voltage AC power; - a common DC bus (6) being connected for supplying electrical energy to one or more loads (8); and - a control unit (9) capable of activating and deactivating the power electronic traction transformers (5) depending on the total power required by the loads (8).