In a landmark moment for European rail innovation, Stadler and Italian operator Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) have unveiled the continent’s first tailor-made battery-powered narrow-gauge electric train. Presented at EXPO Ferroviaria in Milan, this pioneering development marks a significant step forward in sustainable rail transport and sets a new benchmark for green technology across the sector.
The new fleet, commissioned by FAL, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 1,300 tonnes annually—equivalent to 650 flights from Zurich to Thailand. This bold move not only reinforces Stadler’s reputation as a global leader in environmentally conscious rail solutions but also signals a broader shift toward decarbonisation in regional rail networks.
“This is the first narrow-gauge electric train powered entirely by batteries in Italy and Europe. It is 100% green and will change the future of sustainable mobility in Basilicata,” explained Maurizio Oberti, Sales Director for the Italian market at Stadler.
“We are very proud to take our innovative green technology to the Italian market, which will promote sustainability in the Municipality of Matera and the Basilicata Region and help it achieve net zero. We would like to thank FAL for the trust they have placed in us and for the excellent collaboration established within the project.”
The unveiling follows a €63 million investment, supported by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), its Complementary Fund, and the PON-PAC 2014–2020 programme. The project was awarded to Stadler through a public tender of EU-wide relevance, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative.
“Ferrovie Appulo Lucane confirms its status as a public company capable of investing in the future and innovation and of honouring its commitments,” said Stefano Di Bello, General Manager of FAL.
“Two years ago, at EXPO Ferroviaria, together with the Minister of Transport, Matteo Salvini, we presented what was then just a futuristic project. Today, we already have the first of seven trains that will enter service on the Altamura–Matera line by the end of 2026.”
The new trains—branded under FAL’s registered trademark TREEN—are manufactured entirely at Stadler’s headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland. They will undergo rigorous testing to meet the standards set by Italy’s National Agency for the Safety of Railways and Road and Motorway Infrastructure (ANSFISA) before entering service.
“The goal,” added Vittorio Zizza, President of FAL, “is to decarbonise the railway service on the Altamura–Matera line. FAL has been a strongly ‘green’ company for years. This is one of the reasons why the livery we have chosen for TREEN reflects the idea of sustainability and care for the environment. With this project, we have demonstrated our commitment to eco-sustainable mobility, thanks in part to the foresight of the Basilicata Region, which has always encouraged and supported us in these courageous and innovative investments.”
Designing for Sustainability and Passenger Experience
Beyond its environmental credentials, the new train design integrates a suite of sustainable features. These include:
- Battery-powered propulsion with high specific energy, short charging times, and strong traction performance in varied conditions.
- LED interior lighting aligned with the latest energy standards.
- Recycled seat upholstery and dedicated space for e-bikes.
- Low-floor access for improved accessibility.
- Panoramic windows and bright, spacious interiors for enhanced passenger comfort.
The train’s iconic exterior design, developed in collaboration with FAL, visually communicates its environmental mission and the region’s commitment to green mobility.
Image and video credits: Stadler
