ÖBB Orders Additional FLIRT Akku Battery Trains from Stadler to Expand Emission-Free Regional Rail Services

ÖBB Orders Additional FLIRT Akku Battery Trains from Stadler to Expand Emission-Free Regional Rail Services

(IN BRIEF) ÖBB has ordered seven additional FLIRT Akku battery-electric trains from Stadler as part of its strategy to decarbonise regional rail transport in Austria. The new units will be manufactured in Bussnang and delivered in 2028 before entering service in Lower Austria from 2029, replacing diesel trains on routes such as the Kamptalbahn and Erlauftalbahn. The trains can operate both under electrified lines and on battery power on non-electrified routes, enabling emission-free regional rail operations. Each unit offers more than 160 seats and modern passenger amenities while supporting barrier-free access. The introduction of the trains is expected to save approximately 500,000 litres of diesel annually and reduce carbon emissions by about 1,200 tonnes per year. The order represents the second call-off under a framework agreement signed in 2023 between Stadler and ÖBB covering up to 120 FLIRT Akku trains.

(PRESS RELEASE) BUSSNANG, 13-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler has secured a new order from Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) for seven additional FLIRT Akku battery-electric multiple units, further expanding the rail operator’s efforts to modernise regional transport and reduce emissions. The trains will be produced at Stadler’s manufacturing facility in Bussnang, Switzerland, with delivery scheduled for 2028.

The additional vehicles form part of ÖBB’s broader strategy to replace diesel-powered rolling stock with cleaner alternatives in regional rail services. The FLIRT Akku platform enables fully emission-free operations on non-electrified railway lines, allowing trains to run using onboard battery power where overhead lines are not available.

Once delivered, the new trains will begin entering service in Lower Austria from the 2029 timetable year, where they will gradually replace diesel trains currently operating on regional routes including the Kamptalbahn and Erlauftalbahn lines.

Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of Marketing & Sales at Stadler, highlighted the significance of the technology in supporting sustainable rail mobility. The FLIRT Akku platform demonstrates how advanced rail technology can help transport operators reduce emissions while maintaining high performance and operational flexibility.

The latest order builds on a framework agreement signed in July 2023 between ÖBB and Stadler covering the potential delivery of up to 120 FLIRT Akku units. The initial call-off under that agreement involved 16 vehicles for the Kamptalbahn, and the newly announced order represents the second call-off under the framework.

Designed for modern regional transport, the FLIRT Akku trains are equipped to provide comfortable and accessible travel. Each unit offers more than 160 passenger seats, barrier-free boarding, and spacious multipurpose areas that can accommodate wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles. Passengers will also benefit from onboard amenities such as power sockets and USB-C charging ports.

The trains feature hybrid-capable drive technology, enabling them to operate both under electrified overhead lines and on battery power. When running on non-electrified sections of track, the onboard batteries supply the energy required for propulsion, eliminating the need for diesel engines.

By introducing the seven additional battery-electric units, ÖBB expects to reduce fuel consumption significantly. Compared with the diesel trains being replaced, the new fleet will save approximately 500,000 litres of diesel each year.

The shift to battery-powered trains will also contribute to reducing environmental impact. ÖBB estimates that the new units will cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by around 1,200 tonnes, an amount comparable to the energy consumption of roughly 300 single-family homes.

The order reinforces the long-standing partnership between Stadler and ÖBB and highlights both companies’ commitment to advancing climate-friendly, efficient and modern regional rail transport.

About Stadler

Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service and signalling technology has its headquarters in Bussnang in eastern Switzerland. Over 17,100 employees work at eight production and six engineering sites and over 80 service locations, including around 6,000 employees in Switzerland. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of vehicles with alternative drive systems (hydrogen and battery) and rack railway vehicles. The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products.

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Media Contact:

Jürg Grob
Deputy Head Corporate Communications & PR
Phone: +41 71 626 19 19
E-mail: media@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler