photo: RAILTARGET/BEMU RegioPanter
Battery-powered trains are making their debut on Czech railways, sparking discussions about their effectiveness and long-term potential. Škoda Group responds, explaining why the battery-powered RegioPanter is the ideal solution for regional transport.
Škoda Group provided RAILTARGET with an exclusive statement, addressing the introduction of battery-electric multiple units (BEMU) RegioPanter, which the company claims is the best option for the Czech Republic. According to Škoda, combining the RegioPanter platform with battery power is an excellent solution for regional routes that lack electrification. The company also responded to recent criticism regarding procurement processes, emphasizing that all procedures followed legal regulations.
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Škoda Group: Leading the Green Revolution in Rail Transport
Škoda Group is no stranger to battery technology. The company has over a decade of experience with battery-powered transport, particularly in trolleybuses and trams. Its technology has already been exported internationally, from Konya, Turkey, to Mannheim, Germany, and the natural next step was expanding this expertise to rail transport.
"Our group has extensive experience with battery-powered vehicles—hundreds of trolleybuses equipped with batteries to navigate non-electrified sections represent over 10 years of expertise. Additionally, we developed battery-powered trams as early as 2015, when, based on a request from a Turkish client in the city of Konya, we added battery boxes to the standard tram units we were already delivering. A similar approach was taken in other cities, such as Eskişehir and Mannheim. All these trolleybus and tram projects are proof of our technological advancement and extensive experience in propulsion systems and battery energy sources," explains Škoda Group’s statement.
The Journey of Battery Trains in the Czech Republic
The story of Czech battery-electric trains (BEMU) began when the Moravian-Silesian Region ordered hybrid units capable of operating both under overhead lines and on non-electrified tracks. The first four BEMU units were developed by modifying existing RegioPanter electric trains. Czech Railways leveraged its framework agreement with Škoda Group, allowing battery systems to be retrofitted to previously purchased electric units.
Some critics questioned whether modifying RegioPanter into a battery-powered version was the best approach. However, RegioPanter is an established and well-tested train model, making its battery conversion a logical step aligned with European trends. Rather than developing an entirely new vehicle, which would be costly and time-consuming, Škoda opted for a proven platform, enhancing it with battery storage.
"A natural continuation of this development in urban transport is its expansion into rail, particularly with our successful EMU RegioPanter electric units, which are structurally well-suited for the addition of similar battery boxes. This solution opens up new possibilities for regional rail transport. The Panter electric units equipped with battery boxes represent an ideal solution not only for the Czech Republic but also for effectively connecting electrified and non-electrified lines, creating direct routes without transfers, and supporting further development and growth of regional rail transport. At the same time, they provide passengers with comfortable, eco-friendly, and modern transport to areas where such options were previously unavailable, while also offering operators and transport authorities a cost-effective, long-term sustainable zero-emission solution," described Jan Švehla, Head of Communications at Škoda Group.
In response to criticism regarding the procurement process, Škoda Group stated that it fully complied with legal regulations and met all required conditions."All matters related to the procurement process and contract agreements are always conducted in full compliance with applicable legal regulations," the company said in its official statement.
RAILTARGET also reached out to Jan Sechter, Chairman of the Transport Section of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, for comment: "Škoda has proven that it remains at the forefront of hybrid train technology development, enabling it to succeed both domestically and internationally. The Chamber of Commerce strongly supports Czech industry, especially during challenging times."
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Battery-Electric Trains (BEMU)
What exactly are battery-electric multiple units (BEMU)? These modern train sets can operate under overhead power lines like conventional electric trains, but they can also run on non-electrified tracks using battery power. This results in less noise, zero emissions, and smoother connections between different types of railway lines—eliminating the need for transfers or outdated diesel trains.
Source: RAILTARGET