Škoda Begins Production of New Long-Distance Trains for Arriva

Škoda Group has started building new long-distance trains for Arriva at its Ostrava plant. The first bodyshell for the low-floor Škoda 26Ev unit has already passed through the paint shop, while prototype assembly is due to begin this autumn. The new trains, designed for speeds of up to 200 km/h, will offer higher passenger comfort and more energy-efficient operation.

Škoda Group signed the contract with Arriva in July 2025. The deal, worth more than CZK 7 billion (approx. EUR 288 million), covers at least 22 low-floor electric multiple units based on the new Škoda 26Ev platform, 16 three-car and six four-car units.

The trains, with a maximum speed of 200 km/h, are due to enter service from December 2028 on the Ex6 Prague–Plzeň–Cheb and R16 Prague–Beroun–Plzeň–Klatovy / Železná Ruda routes.

"Since signing the contract, we have completed the design and technical preparation of the project and moved on to production of the first vehicles. The first painted bodyshell is an important and, above all, clearly visible milestone. At the same time, we are continuing to test key components and prepare the traction and control systems. The project is gradually moving from the development stage into physical production," said Tomáš Ignačák, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Škoda Group.

"I would also like to point out that Czech industry will play a significant role in manufacturing these new trains. We expect domestic suppliers to account for approximately 80% of deliveries," he added.

Prototypes Are Taking Shape in Ostrava

Production of prototypes of both unit variants, referred to in the project as EMU200 and EMU300, is now under way at the Ostrava plant. The first two bodyshells have been completed, with additional shells expected to leave the production line roughly every two weeks. Prototype assembly will begin during September, with bogies, traction equipment, control systems, interiors and other equipment gradually installed.

"It is great to see how a train we have so far known mainly from technical drawings and visualisations is turning into a real vehicle. The new units will bring passengers higher speeds, comfortable interiors and modern onboard services. Today’s presentation of the new bodyshells brings us another step closer to their deployment on routes from Prague via Plzeň to Cheb and Klatovy," said Daniel Adamka, CEO of ARRIVA CZ.

Component Testing Is Already Under Way

Alongside prototype production, type testing of individual components is already beginning to verify compliance with the required technical and safety parameters. Škoda Group is starting tests of the traction system in cooperation with the RICE research centre at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Plzeň. Development and verification of the vehicle software will take place at Škoda Digital.

Testing of the complete prototype trainsets is due to begin in spring 2027. This will be followed by the tests required for authorisation of the new vehicle type and preparations for series production.

A New Platform for Long-Distance Services

The Arriva units are based on the Škoda 26Ev platform, designed for interregional and long-distance transport. The trains will be dual-voltage units capable of operating on both 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC networks. The platform can also be modified for operation under 15 kV AC, for example in Germany. Their maximum operating speed will be 200 km/h.

The trains will meet strict requirements for passenger comfort, pressure tightness and fire safety, allowing them to operate on high-speed lines and through tunnels more than 5 km long. The three-car version will offer 224 seats, while the four-car units will have 315. Both versions will also include first-class accommodation.

Equipment will include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, power sockets, passenger information and CCTV systems, and an accessible toilet. The trains will also be fitted with the European Train Control System ETCS, remote vehicle diagnostics and Automatic Train Operation (ATO).

ATO will allow the trains to operate in the most energy-efficient mode available at any given time, adjusting speed according to the timetable and the vertical profile of the route while also optimising braking. According to operational data from similar Škoda units in the Baltic states, the system can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%.