Stadler and ODEG Launch Emission‑Free FLIRT Akku Trains for West Mecklenburg

Stadler and ODEG Launch Emission‑Free FLIRT Akku Trains for West Mecklenburg

(IN BRIEF) ODEG and Stadler previewed a battery‑powered FLIRT Akku train on a ceremonial run from Schwerin to Parchim, ahead of a December 2027 launch under ODEG’s Westmecklenburg II contract. Fourteen units will serve both daily and seasonal regional lines, running emission‑free on non‑electrified tracks and recharging under overhead wires. Each train offers 98 seats, Wi‑Fi, accessible design, and in‑service battery charging. Funded by German federal and EU recovery programs, the fleet represents a major advance in sustainable regional rail.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 16-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler and Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG) have unveiled a glimpse of the future of zero‑emission regional rail with a demonstration run of a FLIRT Akku battery train between Schwerin and Parchim. This ceremonial journey introduces the fleet of 14 battery‑powered multiple units that ODEG will deploy under its Westmecklenburg II contract, starting December 2027.

Under the terms secured in December 2024, ODEG will operate the new FLIRT Akku trains on non‑electrified routes RB 13 (Rehna–Schwerin–Parchim), RB 14 (Hagenow Stadt–Ludwigslust–Parchim), and the seasonal RB 15 (Waren–Malchow–Plau am See) and RB 19 (Parchim–Plau am See). Borrowed from Schleswig‑Holstein’s NAH.SH network, the prototype showcases the same vehicle design destined for Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania.

Each battery train accommodates 98 seated passengers, offers generous multipurpose areas, and features step‑free access, onboard Wi‑Fi, and a modern passenger information system. When running under overhead wires, the batteries recharge automatically, then power the train independently over unelectrified stretches. Externally, the units sport the distinctive colors of the Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania state flag. Final assembly and testing are underway at Stadler’s facilities, with maintenance planned at ODEG’s expanded workshop in Parchim.

Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany, remarked, “This preview trip demonstrates the practical potential of battery technology for climate‑friendly transport. We’re proud to partner with ODEG on this trailblazing initiative.” Stefan Neubert, Managing Director of ODEG, added, “Our passengers in West Mecklenburg will soon enjoy quieter, greener journeys—courtesy of Stadler’s FLIRT Akku design, which perfectly aligns with our sustainability goals.”

The project benefits from funding under the German Federal Ministry of Transport’s program for alternative rail drives, as well as support from the German Recovery and Resilience Plan through the EU’s NextGenerationEU facility. Coordination is handled by NOW GmbH and the implementation by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).

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. More than 15,200 employees work at 8 production and 6 engineering locations as well as over 80 service locations, including over 5,600 employees in Switzerland.

The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products. The product range in the mainline and urban transport sector includes high-speed trains, intercity trains, regional and suburban trains, underground trains, tram-trains and trams. Stadler also manufactures mainline locomotives, shunting locomotives and passenger coaches. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of rack-and-pinion railway vehicles.

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About ODEG
The founding of ODEG in 2002 marked the beginning of one of the most successful stories in German railway history. As a subsidiary of BeNEX GmbH and NETINERA Move GmbH, ODEG has developed into the largest private railway company in eastern Germany. The regional railway operator runs a total of 17 lines on behalf of the federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Brandenburg, Berlin, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. ODEG uses the infrastructure of
Deutsche Bahn AG in return for payment. Its fleet of 86 multiple units currently includes 29 Desiro HC, 16 KISS, 7 Desiro ML, 6 Desiro Classic, 8 LINT 54, 14 Regio-Shuttle RS1 and 6 Stadler GTW trains. The vehicles are maintained by the wholly-owned subsidiary ODIG – Ostdeutsche Instandhaltungsgesellschaft mbH. For more information about the company, visit odeg.de and odig.de.

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Media Contacts:

Stadler Germany

Julia Bülow
Head of Communications & Marketing
Email: Presse.Deutschland@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com

ODEG – Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH

Dietmute Graf
Head of Marketing and Communications
Phone: +49 30 81 40 77 165
Email:dietmute.graf@odeg.de , presse@odeg.de
www.odeg.de

SOURCE: Stadler