Škoda and Arriva Launch 200 km/h Electric Trains for Czech Routes
Škoda Group and ARRIVA sign €280M deal for 22 next-gen 200 km/h electric trains (3kV/25kV dual-system), boosting Czech rail from 2028.
www.skoda.cz
What will the new trains from Prague to western Bohemia look like? Škoda Group signed a contract with private carrier ARRIVA for the production of 22 modern, low-floor electric units of the new-generation that will reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. The contract covers two types of units – three-car (16 units) and four-car (6 units) – with a total value exceeding CZK 7 billion (over EUR 280 million). The contract also includes an option to purchase additional vehicles. The carrier plans to deploy these units on the Ex6 (Prague–Pilsen–Cheb) and R16 (Prague–Beroun–Pilsen–Klatovy / Železná Ruda) lines in Western Bohemia from December 2028.
"If we want to attract new passengers to Czech railways, we must offer them reliable connections in modern, comfortable trains or units. These new trains offer a high standard of travel, so I consider their future inclusion in state-ordered lines to be a step in the right direction," says Minister of Transport Martin Kupka.
“This order from the private carrier ARRIVA is very important for us, not only in terms of its financial scope, but also in terms of our position in the market. This is already our second order for the production of new trains for a private carrier, which demonstrates the competitiveness of our solutions. The segment of long-distance trains with a speed of 200 km/h is very important to us. We believe that this new platform, which we have been developing for several years, will be successful not only on the Czech market but also on the European market. Moreover, Czech industry will play a huge role in the production of these new trains. We expect the share of Czech suppliers to be around 80%, as was the case with the last project for new electric trains,” says Petr Novotný, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Group.
“By signing this contract, we are fulfilling our long-term strategy in the Czech Republic. We are entering a new segment of electric long-distance transport with a clear goal – to offer passengers higher comfort, reliability, and environmentally friendly travel. This contract represents the largest investment in Arriva's history in Europe, exceeding CZK 7 billion,” says Daniel Adamka, Managing Director of ARRIVA TRANSPORT CZECH REPUBLIC, and continues: “Our new units, which will be manufactured in the Czech Republic, will bring not only modern design with a turquoise coating and a distinctive purple X, but primarily greater comfort thanks to wider seats, more space between them, and onboard refreshments. We’ve also considered cyclists and tourists – the trains will have ample space for bicycles, which will be especially appreciated by passengers heading to the Šumava region or spa areas. At the same time, we are focusing on sustainability. Thanks to the Automatic Train Operation system, we expect significant energy savings. We are proud that this step also supports the domestic industry – the majority of components will come from Czech suppliers. We look forward to seeing these trains running from December 2028 on the routes from Prague to Pilsen, Cheb, and the Šumava region, contributing to the further development of high-quality and modern rail transport in our country,” concludes Adamka.
New platform for long-distance transport
The new trains will be built on a completely new platform. The platform designation is Škoda 26Ev, and these electric units are intended for interregional and long-distance transport. The new platform allows for the configuration of three to seven cars in a unit with a capacity of 200 to 600 seats. The units are designed for ARRIVA as dual-system (3 kV DC, 25 kV AC), but can be modified for use on the 15 kV AC system, for example in Germany. The bogies are designed for speeds of up to 230 km/h. The electric trains will meet strict requirements for passenger comfort, pressure resistance and fire safety, which will allow them to operate on high-speed lines and in tunnel sections over 5 km long. This also applies to lines that will soon be built in the Czech Republic.
The order from ARRIVA for Western Bohemia includes two variants of the units:
Three-car unit offering 224 seats. Sixteen units have been ordered. This unit will be used primarily on the R16 line (Prague-Beroun-Pilsen-Klatovy / Železná Ruda) and as additional capacity for the Ex6 line (Prague-Pilsen-Cheb). It will have extended space for transporting bicycles, and passengers will have access to a vending machine for snacks and hot drinks.
The four-car unit will have 315 seats, including first class, for which one entire car is reserved. Six units have been ordered and will be deployed on the Ex6 line. It will also be equipped with a bistro section featuring a serving counter and kitchenette.
Passengers will appreciate the powerful air conditioning, modern information system, Wi-Fi connection and sockets for charging small electronic devices on both types of trains, while an internal and external camera system will contribute to increased safety. Level boarding and a low-floor interior will ensure comfortable travel for passengers with reduced mobility. An essential feature is a barrier-free toilet.
Digital technology and energy savings
The new units will be equipped with advanced digital systems from Škoda Group, which ensure comfort for passengers and crew during operation and when connecting units but also bring new possibilities for remote monitoring and diagnostics of vehicles. The ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system allows the units to operate in the most energy-efficient mode, regulates speed according to the timetable and the track profile, and optimises braking. Based on real data from the operation of similar Škoda units in the Baltic States, it can save up to 15% of energy. The remote monitoring system can then optimise maintenance costs and increase operational reliability. The train will also be equipped with an ETCS train control system.
www.skodagroup.com
