Škoda Group Produces World’s Longest Tram for Germany

Škoda Group has completed the first of twelve 60-metre-long trams, which will be delivered to the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan area in Germany.

The Škoda ForCity Smart 38T tram, developed for German operator Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH (rnv), is part of a modular fleet designed to meet public transport demands in Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Ludwigshafen.

The Škoda ForCity Smart 38T tram is nearly twice the length of a blue whale. It contains 72.4 kilometres of cables to power its systems and can accommodate up to 368 passengers.

Each tram requires 18 weeks to build, compared to 9 weeks for the 30-metre Škoda 36T model.

Jan Christoph Harder, President Region West & North Škoda Group said:

The longest tram in the world is a result of close collaboration with rnv to create a vehicle that meets the complex demands of both urban and regional transport. Its modular design, high capacity, and passenger-friendly features make it a key element in shaping the future of mobility in the Rhine-Neckar region. With more than 20% of its components sourced from Germany, this project also highlights strong European cooperation in sustainable public transport.

The Škoda 38T is part of a larger contract between Škoda Group and rnv, covering 114 trams in three different lengths:

• 30m Škoda 36T
• 40m Škoda 37T
• 60m Škoda 38T

These trams are designed for adaptability, with the capability to be coupled into formations up to 80 metres long. If all 114 trams were arranged in a row, they would span 4.2 kilometres.

The trams are constructed from components sourced from 214 suppliers across Europe.

Production of the trams begins in Otanmäki, Finland, where the car bodies are manufactured before final assembly takes place at Škoda Group’s facility in Pilsen.

The trams are built for operation across three federal states in Germany and run on a 1,000 mm gauge track with a top speed of 80 km/h.

Features of the new trams include low-floor, bi-directional design for accessibility, spaces for wheelchair users and prams, and wide double doors for efficient boarding. They are equipped with modern passenger information systems and onboard cameras to enhance safety and efficiency.

With the first Škoda 38T now en route to Germany, the introduction of these trams represents the latest development in urban and regional public transport.