Bulgaria: Early this month two four-car sets produced at the plant in Plzeň, Czech Republic, arrived in the country.
Operational trials on the national network are due to begin on 23 March ahead of the planned summer launch.
Interior of the Škoda Group electric train for Bulgaria. Source: Bulgarian News Agency
The rolling stock is based on Škoda Group’s established platform for partially low-floor single-deck trains, the 7Ev (RegioPanter). It is designed to operated on AC lines (25 kV) at speeds up to 160 km/h. The interior features 333 seats, with multi-functional areas for passengers with reduced mobility, pushchairs and bicycles.
Four-car EMU from Škoda Group for Bulgaria. Source: Dimitar Hristov/Dir.bg
The contract for 20 trains was signed with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport and Communications in September 2024. An option for five more sets was later exercised. The total procurement cost, including 15-year maintenance, is €326.7 mln. Around 80% of components are supplied by Czech companies. All 25 ordered trains are expected to be delivered by September, with the full fleet entering service on suburban lines by year-end.
