Czech Republic: The manufacturer revealed the information, announcing its 2025 financial results.
Škoda Group’s backlog of orders for this period covers 36 catenary-battery units for Slovakia and up to 16 vehicles for Latvia. In addition, Czechia’s private operator RegioJet has signed a contract for another 34 hybrid trains (designated BEDMUs, Battery Electric Diesel Multiple Units, combining traction from the catenary, batteries and an auxiliary internal combustion engine).
The manufacturer has also been implementing a 2024 contract for 15 BEMUs for the national Czech operator ČD. The order includes a fleet of the new-generation 15Ev5 trains, which are reported to have a more efficient design with lower energy consumption and weight savings of several tonnes.
“We see the interest in battery-powered trains as a clear signal from the market. […] We see significant potential in it, and its further development will be one of our key priorities in the coming years,” says Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group.
In addition, Škoda Group reports that 2025 has resulted in the highest increase in orders in its history, worth approximately €1.8 bln. The largest ones are a framework contract for 31 EMUs for Sweden and the Arriva Czech division’s order for 22 trains designed for speeds of 200 km/h.
Meanwhile, other rolling stock manufacturers are also experiencing an increased demand for battery trains. Last year, Stadler Rail reported having delivered over 300 hybrid trains, most of them utilising energy storage. Siemens Mobility has likewise been receiving large orders for battery-powered rolling stock.
