Stadler, has won a contract from Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) for up to 120 battery-powered trains with the contract worth an estimated €1.5 billion.
The trains will be based on Stadler's FLIRT Akku platform, the battery-powered version of the company's popular FLIRT train. The trains are designed to operate on lines that are only partially electrified. On sections where overhead lines are in operation, the pantograph charges the batteries whilst running on the electric lines.
The first 16 trains under the contract are expected to begin production later this year after the framework agreement is signed between ÖBB and Stadler is signed. The remaining trains will be delivered in batches over the following years and will replace the current diesel fleet.
“If we are to meet the climate targets, rail transport in turn must become even more sustainable. That is why Stadler has invested heavily in green propulsion solutions to replace diesel fleets and has established its position as a leading provider of sustainable rail transport in recent years – both in Europe and the USA. We are delighted to be working with ÖBB to drive forward the decarbonisation of rail transport in Austria.” said Peter Spuhler, Chairman of Stadler's Board of Directors.
The battery-powered trains will be used on ÖBB's eastern network, which includes lines that are not fully electrified. It is anticipated that the order of the trains will cover most of the Austrian network once in operation. The trains will have a range of up to 150 kilometers on a single charge, and they will be able to recharge their batteries while in operation.
The FLIRT Akku currently holds the world record for the longest journey travelled by a regional train in battery-only mode and recently announced 99 of the models that will be put into operation across the German network.
Photo Credit: Stadler
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