Stadler supplies 19 FLIRT Akku vehicles for the Central Thuringia battery network
Thuringia reaches an important milestone for climate-friendly local rail passenger transport: DB Regio orders 19 battery-electric FLIRT Akku multiple-unit trains from Stadler for the Central Thuringia battery network.
stadlerrail.com
The planned deployment of the FLIRT Akku vehicles is a major step towards the decarbonisation of local rail passenger transport in Thuringia. This order is part of a new DB Regio transport contract that runs from December 2028 to December 2043 and covers an annual service volume of around 3.6 million timetabled kilometres. The new battery-electric vehicles can bridge sections of up to 80 kilometres without overhead lines by using the energy stored during overhead line operation. This enables a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and contributes to locally emission-free operation.
Christine Singer, Chairwoman of the Regional Management of DB Regio Südost: "Winning the contract is an important milestone for us and, together with our partners in local public transport, we are making an active contribution to the mobility transition. We are delighted to be going into operation with these modern, comfortable and environmentally friendly battery-electric vehicles."
Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany: "DB Regio has ordered 19 FLIRT Akku multiple-unit trains for use in Thuringia and we are delighted that the first battery-powered trains for the green heart of Germany will come from Stadler. We are thus making a joint contribution to environmentally friendly mobility."
Modern equipment and a high level of comfort
The new FLIRT Akku vehicles not only offer more seats, but also barrier-free boarding, generous seat spacing, Wi-Fi, video surveillance and modern electronic passenger information. With 160 seating options in the vehicles in the form of 148 fixed seats and 12 leaning aids as well as separate folding seat-free areas for bicycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs, passengers are offered a high level of comfort.
Pioneering design for Thuringia
For the first time in Thuringia, a binding interior and exterior design was specified for the vehicles, which will gradually be used in other parts of Thuringia to make local rail passenger transport recognisable.
Stadler further expands market leadership
Stadler has established itself as the market leader in the field of alternative drive technologies. In Europe alone, 50 per cent of all rail vehicles with alternative drive systems come from Stadler. The company has made significant progress in the development and implementation of battery powered trains. These trains offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel drives and are particularly suitable for routes that are partially non-electrified. Stadler has further expanded its leading position with several successful projects and orders, such as the delivery of 44 FLIRT Akku trains to DB Regio for use on the Palatinate network and a total of 151 FLIRT Akku trains in Germany.
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