České dráhy, the Czech national railway operator, continues its diesel train replacement programme and orders 15 new battery-powered electric trains from Škoda.
The trains shall be dual-voltage. In addition to being able to run on batteries, they shall be compatible with catenary electrification at 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC. They shall be equipped with ETCS and GSM-R and have a seating capacity of 150.
They will join the four battery-powered 691 series trains manufactured by Škoda and run in the Moravian-Silesian region.
First alliance between Škoda and ABB for battery-powered trains
Although the award was made in July 2024, Škoda and component manufacturer ABB announced an agreement on the supply of batteries for these trains.
These batteries, from the Traction Battery Pro series, are compact and lightweight. They are designed to optimise vehicle performance, significantly reducing maintenance and downtime.
The agreement includes the delivery of 195 Pro 8C-850 battery packs and a 15-year comprehensive service contract from ABB for approximately EUR 20 million.
Edgar Keller, president of ABB’s Traction Division, noted that this alliance is a significant step in the mission to provide energy-efficient solutions for rail operators.
Zdeněk Sváta, COO of Škoda Group, underlined that this partnership supports the rail industry’s commitment to a zero net emissions future. With this acquisition, České dráhy not only modernises its fleet but also positions itself at the forefront of innovation in sustainable transport, offering a cleaner and quieter service for Czech passengers.