České dráhy has launched Czechia’s first RegioPanter battery trains, which will operate the rail network in Moravian-Silesian region. An official ceremony took place in Ostrava on December 14, 2024, attended by the Minister of Transport, Martin Kupka, Moravian-Silesian Governor Josef Belica, the CEO of ČD, Michal Krapinec, and Škoda Group’s Vice Chairman of the Board, Tomáš Ignačák.
Starting December 15, four RegioPanter BEMUs have been deployed on the Veřovice – Ostrava rail line (S8 line) via Studénka and Štramberk. Another 15 battery trains will enter passenger operation by the end of 2026 to provide comfortable journeys in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
“A modernised and greener transport is one of the priorities of the Moravian-Silesian Region. In addition to saving the environment, they will also help ensure a smoother ride. In places where the overhead line ends above the tracks, thanks to the batteries, there is no longer a need to change to another diesel train. The ride is much more comfortable and faster. I am glad that we are the first region where people can enjoy traveling in such modern units,” the Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region, Josef Bělica, said.
The Moravian-Silesian Region signed in December 2023 a ten-year contract with České dráhy which considered the deployment of battery trainsets as well as electrification projects, conversion of the power supply unit and, the installation of ETCS.
The RegioPanter battery trains will provide transport services between:
- Ostrava to Opava and Krnov;
- Ostrava and Nové Jičín;
- Ostrava to Budišov and Budišovka
- Ostrava via Karviná, Český Těšín and Frýdek-Místek back to Ostrava.
The trains are capable to run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The modern train features advanced LTO batteries, allowing it to travel up to 80 km on a single charge. It can serve electrified and non-electrified tracks, offering operators significant cost savings and flexibility while simplifying route planning and operations.
“We greatly appreciate the trust of the Moravian-Silesian Region, which was confirmed last year with a ten-year contract for the Ostrava operational fleet. The renewal of the rolling stock in northern Moravia started last year with the delivery of new RegioPanter electric units. Now comes a historic moment when we deploy the first four trains equipped with batteries,” the CEO of Czech Railways said.
Czech Railways is investing CZK 4 billion (almost EUR 160 million) to acquire 24 new trains for the Moravian-Silesian Region, which will replace the existing old trains. The contract has been signed in June 2024 for the delivery of 15 two-car battery-electric multiple unis as well as maintenance services an training for a period of up to 15 years.
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