Stadler has secured an order from Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) for seven FLIRT Akku battery-electric multiple units as a continuation of its investment in emission-free regional transport.

The trains will be manufactured at Stadler’s factory at Bussnang in Switzerland, with delivery scheduled for 2028, and provide ÖBB with an estimated annual saving of around 500,000 litres of diesel fuel.

With their battery-powered propulsion units, the new trains will allow emission-free operation on non-electrified lines, and from 2029 will start replacing existing diesel trains in Lower Austria, including on the Kamptalbahn and Erlauftalbahn lines.

ÖBB first placed an order with Stadler for up to 120 FLIRT Akku units when it signed a framework agreement in July 2023.

Two call-offs have since been implemented: the first was for 16 vehicles for the Kamptalbahn, and the second call-off is now underway.

The units are fitted with hybrid-capable drive technology, allowing them to be powered either from overhead lines or on fully battery-electric power using the onboard battery.

Main features of the FLIRT Akku units include seating capacity of 160, barrier-free boarding, multi-purpose areas for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles, power sockets, and USB-C ports.

As well as showing annual savings of 500,000 litres of diesel for the seven new FLIRT Akku units, there will also be a reduction in CO2 emissions of about 1,200 tonnes annually, equivalent to about 300 single-family homes.

In 2024, Stadler signed an agreement with Danish train operator Lokaltog A/S for 14 FLIRT Akku trains with an option to supply ten additional units.

“The FLIRT Akku shows how modern technology and sustainable mobility go hand in hand. We are very pleased with the trust placed in us by ÖBB and that we can continue our successful collaboration”.

Ansgar Brockmeyer, Stadler Head of the Division Marketing & Sales