Next month’s InnoTrans 2026 is set to feature seven world firsts and innovations in railway technology from Swiss locomotive builder Stadler.

Among the range of vehicles that Stadler will be exhibiting is a hydrogen-powered train, a next-generation freight locomotive, and special high-performance trams, for customers across Europe, including in Germany, Austria, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland.

InnoTrans is the world’s largest trade fair for transport technology, and is being held in Berlin, Germany from 22 to 25 September 2026, with Stadler demonstrating innovations for the rail transport of the future.

One of Stadler’s main exhibits is a EURO DuFour locomotive, built for SBB Cargo Switzerland at Stadler’s factory in Valencia, Spain, and delivered just two years after the contract was signed at InnoTrans 2024.

It uses about 15 per cent less energy compared with SBB Cargo Switzerland’s current fleet, and a newly developed bogie reduces rail wear by up to 20 per cent.

A FLIRT Nordic Express for the Norwegian company Norske tog AS was specially developed for Norway’s demanding climatic conditions.

It is bi-mode, able to run on electric or diesel power, and has 464 seats as well as sleeping compartments with two or four beds, reclining seats, and family areas.

The world’s first hydrogen-powered train is destined for three Italian regions: Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST) in Sardinia, Ferrovie della Calabria (FdC) in Calabria, and Ferrovia Circumetnea (FCE) around Mount Etna in Sicily.

It is estimated that the trains will cumulatively save over 2,100 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Other exhibits include a battery-powered FLIRT Akku train for ÖBB, a TINA tram for Rostock and new trams for Stuttgarter Strassenbahnen AG in Germany, and in a joint presentation with ÖBB, a KISS Railjet, which is a six-carriage double-decker train designed for long-distance services. It has a maximum speed of 200 km/h and 486 seats.

“Each vehicle tells its own story and has been developed in close collaboration with our customers. These partnerships are the key to innovative solutions that deliver in everyday use and are perfectly tailored to specific needs. In this way, they make public transport more attractive. It is important to us that we always present the vehicles together with our customers.”

“We are also showcasing the full range of our offering at the exhibition stand. At interactive product stations, visitors can gain fascinating insights into the latest developments in our product portfolio. Alongside rail vehicles, Stadler is presenting digital service solutions, smart maintenance and modern signalling and automation systems for safe and efficient rail operations. Models and virtual reality experiences bring these innovations to life, demonstrating how Stadler works with its customers to develop solutions and supports them throughout the entire lifecycle of their rail vehicles.”

Dr Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Sales & Marketing and Deputy Group CEO, Stadler