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ÖBB Commissions 16 Stadler Battery-Powered Cityjets: A Leap Towards Greener Transit

ÖBB Commissions 16 Stadler Battery-Powered Cityjets: A Leap Towards Greener Transit
photo: Wikimedia Commons/ÖBB Commissions 16 Stadler Battery-Powered Cityjets: A Leap Towards Greener Transit
11 / 10 / 2023

ÖBB has commissioned 16 electric Cityjet battery-powered multiple units, marking an expansion in its local and regional transport fleet. These trains are slated to service the Kamptalbahn in Lower Austria by 2028. The agreement with Stadler allows for potential orders of up to 120 battery-powered units, with a total value reaching EUR 1.3 billion. The initial order is valued at nearly EUR 194 million.

"The introduction of the battery-powered multiple units signifies a significant step towards regional rail transport decarbonization," said ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä. "As the name suggests, these trains can operate on battery power in areas without electrification, allowing us to phase out diesel-powered trains. The train features meet the latest standards, offering everything from seat sockets to automatic climate control."

Christian Diewald, Managing Director of Stadler Austria GmbH, shared, "We're excited to introduce our battery-operated FLIRT variant to Austria. In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, Stadler has championed green propulsion solutions. This accolade means Stadler has now sold over 150 vehicles with alternative propulsion systems across seven countries, further cementing our lead in sustainable transport solutions. Partnering with ÖBB, we aim to further the decarbonization of rail transport in Austria."

Battery-operated units can save nearly 1.7 million liters of diesel annually, equivalent to approximately 4,250 tonnes of CO2. This is comparable to the annual CO2 consumption of about 600 Austrians. Concurrently, commuters in Lower Austria will enjoy quicker travel times due to the faster acceleration of these trains.

Notable Features of the New Cityjet Units

Manufactured at Stadler's Bussnang facility, these three-section Cityjet battery-powered units span around 63 meters and reach speeds up to 160 km/h. With a seating capacity of about 160, these trains cater to the high demand during peak hours. Accessibility is key: two wheelchair spaces with adjacent seating and an accessible toilet ensure a comfortable journey for passengers with mobility challenges. Barrier-free, level entrances facilitate easy boarding and alighting for cyclists. These units can accommodate up to twelve bicycles or eight strollers. Especially beneficial for daily commuters, the units feature WiFi, seat-side sockets, and foldable tables at row seats. The flexible multi-purpose areas allow for the transport of large luggage.

Key Equipment Features:

  • Level barrier-free entrances
  • Automatic climate control
  • Ergonomically designed adjustable seats with ample legroom
  • Sockets (Schuko and USB C) adjacent to the seats
  • Tables for face-to-face seating configurations
  • Row seats with foldable tables featuring tablet/smartphone holders and footrests
  • Stroller storage at each entrance (excluding areas reserved for passengers with limited mobility)

  • Parking for up to 12 bicycles
  • Spaces for two wheelchairs
  • Modern passenger info system displayed on info monitors
  • Ample luggage storage areas
  • One accessible toilet equipped with a changing table
  • Stop request buttons.

Source: Stadler

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