Austrian Railways ÖBB ordered from Stadler 16 three-car Cityjet battery EMUs worth up to EUR 194 million designed to operate the local and regional rail networks. This order is part of a framework agreement covering the delivery of up to 120 new electric battery-powered multiple units totalling EUR 1.3 billion. The operator says that the ordered trains are expected to run along the Kamptalbahn in Lower Austria from 2028.
Stadler will deliver ÖBB the battery-operated version of the trains which are based on Flirt train platform and will save up to 1.7 million liters of diesel per year, corresponding to around 4,250 tonnes of CO2. At the same time, travellers in Lower Austria will benefit from shorter journey times, among other things due to the faster acceleration of the vehicles.
The new Cityjet battery EMUs which will be manufactured at Stadler site in Bussnang, will be 63 metre long and will be capable of running at 160 km/h.With an expected 160 seats, the new trains offer more capacity, which is particularly needed for the heavily frequented trains at peak times.
The new Flirt Akku trains will deliver increased accessibility, providing two wheelchair spaces with accompanying spaces and a barrier-free toilet for people with limited mobility. The barrier-free entrances at the same level make it easier for cyclists to get in and out. These now also have more parking spaces available, as the sets offer space for up to twelve bicycles or up to eight strollers.
Each BEMU will be equipped with automatic climate control system, a modern passenger information system, Wi-Fi, sockets at the seats and folding tables at the row seats. The multi-purpose areas can be used variably and enable the transport of large pieces of luggage.
“The new battery-powered multiple units are a milestone towards the decarbonisation of regional rail transport. As the name suggests, the trains can run on battery power on non-electrified sections of the route. This means we can also do without diesel-powered trains on these routes. The equipment of the trainsets meets the most modern standards and leaves nothing to be desired – from the socket at the seat to the automatic air conditioning,” ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä said.
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