Stadler’s Innovative Battery Trains Set to Revolutionize Zealand’s Rail Transport

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Lokaltog A/S is advancing towards a greener future by upgrading its train fleet in Zealand with environmentally friendly technology. The regional operator has chosen Stadler’s FLIRT battery-operated trains, renowned for their innovative battery-electric multiple unit designs. This move marks a significant progression towards achieving sustainable, zero-emission public transport in Denmark. The initial order includes 14 FLIRT Akku trains with an option to acquire ten more, aiming for delivery by 2028.

The agreement, signed in Taastrup, Denmark, underscores Lokaltog’s commitment to eco-friendly travel solutions. These state-of-the-art FLIRT Akku trains will serve the Tølløsebanen and Østbanen routes, with potential expansions to the Lollandsbanen and Odsherredsbanen lines. This fleet introduction is part of a broader strategy following a public tender initiated in November 2023.

”We at Lokaltog are delighted to have found a supplier for our future battery trains. They are to replace our IC2 vehicles, which have served us well since 1997. These are the trains of the future that we are buying now, and they will hopefully be on our tracks and bringing comfort to our customers for many years’, says Lars Wrist-Elkjær, Managing Director of Lokaltog.

Driving the future of green technologies
‘We at Stadler are driven to lead in sustainable mobility, and for years we have been consistently and determinedly developing alternative drive solutions. Today, our FLIRT Akku has won another competition for battery trains. And this one is in one of the European Countries with the highest potential of decarbonisation in the railways, due to its low degree of track electrification’, emphasizes Dr. Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Marketing & Sales at Stadler. ‘We are thrilled that Denmark is now embracing this innovative solution and proud that with our vehicles we can support our customer on the path to sustainable mobility. The accelerating climate crisis only reinforces our conviction that the future of modern transport lies in green technology.’

Stadler has established itself as a leader in the battery-operated train sector, having delivered over 350 units across various countries including Germany, Austria, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the USA. The FLIRT Akku models are versatile, capable of operating both on tracks with and without overhead electric lines. They recharge while in motion and during braking. Despite the wear over time, these trains can travel up to 100 km on a single charge and have set a world record by traveling 224 km without a recharge—a feat recognized in the Guinness Book of Records in 2021.

In addition to battery technology, Stadler offers customized solutions in hydrogen and hybrid technologies to meet diverse transport needs, all aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

The FLIRT Akku trains designed for Denmark are tailored to be inclusive and accessible. They meet TSI PRM standards, ensuring accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility, and feature low-floor entries, wide automatic doors with gap bridges, designated areas for wheelchairs and bicycles, and a semi-automatic wheelchair ramp. Each train is equipped with full air conditioning, a universal toilet compliant with TSI PRM standards, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an advanced passenger information system.

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