Czech Republic: Škoda Launches Its First Battery Train
Czech Railways has launched its first battery-powered train, developed by Škoda Group, marking a new phase in rail transport for the nation’s non-electrified lines.
Czech Railways has launched its first battery-powered train, developed by Škoda Group, marking a new phase in rail transport for the nation’s non-electrified lines.
The train was presented at Ostrava-střed railway station on 15 December and has since begun regular service on the S8 line in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, Czech Railways CEO Michal Krapinec, Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region Josef Bělica, and Škoda Group Vice-Chairman Tomáš Ignačák.
The battery-powered train is based on Škoda Group’s established RegioPanter platform, widely used across the Czech Republic and abroad. It is equipped with lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) batteries, enabling operation on non-electrified lines. The batteries can be charged using either DC or AC power, with a full charge requiring 25–30 minutes, depending on the voltage.
“The Czech railway is undergoing a qualitative change, which includes the deployment of modern vehicles on more lines. Increasing comfort and reducing journey times is often not possible without electrification. Not everywhere, however, it is possible to electrify the lines in the foreseeable future or, for example, due to the natural environment around the tracks, the power lines cannot be easily located; and this is where there is a place for battery trains.”
The train can travel up to 80 kilometres on battery power and achieve speeds of up to 120 km/h in non-electrified sections. On electrified tracks, it can reach 160 km/h. This versatility enables the train to operate on a mix of electrified and non-electrified routes.
Compared to diesel-powered trains, the battery train offers faster acceleration, quieter operation, and zero local emissions.
The vehicle is also equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), ensuring compliance with modern safety standards.
For passengers, the train provides low-floor boarding, wide doors, and designated spaces for wheelchairs, prams, and bicycles. Other amenities include spacious toilets, Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets for charging small devices.
“Our new battery train is a technological milestone that continues our long tradition of innovation in transport. Already in the 1930s – at a time when most people were just beginning to think about similar technologies – we produced the first battery locomotive. We have built on these foundations in modern times – from battery-powered trams to trolleybuses to this train. It is another step on the road to environmentally friendly, flexible, and sustainable transport and proof that Czech industry can be at the forefront of innovation. Passengers can look forward to a comfortable ride on a modern vehicle. Low floor boarding with wide doors, space for orthopaedic wheelchairs, prams and bicycles, a spacious toilet and, of course, Wi-Fi or sockets for charging small electronics.”
