Autonomous Trains and Battery LENKA: AŽD Shows Its Next Steps at InnoTrans

Czech company AŽD Praha used this year’s InnoTrans in Berlin to show just how far its railway technology ambitions now go. CEO Zdeněk Chrdle presented several major projects, including autonomous operation on the regular network and a new lightweight battery vehicle for regional lines.

As early as next season, two autonomous vehicles are expected to enter service on a conventional national railway line, carrying passengers under a regular timetable and at full commercial risk. Another highlight was LENKA, a lightweight battery-powered rail vehicle designed to make regional services more efficient. RAILTARGET attended the presentation in Berlin.

Autonomous Operation Moves into Real Service

During a presentation at the AŽD stand in Hall 27, stand 640, Zdeněk Chrdle described a major step forward for autonomous rail operation. According to Chrdle, two autonomous vehicles will enter regular service on a conventional national railway line as early as next season. They will carry passengers according to the standard timetable and operate under normal commercial conditions. This will not be a closed test track or a demonstration environment, but part of the regular railway network.

Chrdle also praised cooperation with the Czech Railway Authority, thanking it for what he described as constructive communication and a smooth approval process that made it possible to clear the necessary steps for operation.

🚆 První den 15. ročníku veletrhu InnoTrans v Berlíně je za námi. Byl plný příjemných setkání, inspirativních rozhovorů a odborných debat o budoucnosti železnice.

Děkujeme všem, kteří se dnes zastavili na stánku AŽD. Těšíme se na další veletržní dny! #InnoTrans #AZD pic.twitter.com/1PPv0Tvswh

— AŽD (@azd_praha) September 22, 2026

Battery-Powered LENKA Takes Aim at Regional Bus Competition

Another major feature of the presentation was LENKA, a modified tram converted into a lightweight battery-powered rail vehicle. The vehicle was created from a former ČKD unit originally built on a tram platform.

LENKA is currently approved for operation without passengers. If the project proceeds according to plan, the first passengers could travel on board next year, Chrdle said during the presentation. AŽD wants the project to open a wider discussion about how modern railways can compete more effectively with buses on regional routes.

AŽD also invited partners and visitors to see the concept at its InnoTrans stand, where the presentation took place in an informal atmosphere accompanied by traditional Czech beer, and RAILTARGET was there in person.