Bulgaria: On 14 August, a fleet of eight four-car trainsets entered service on the country’s regional lines. A total of 20 EMUs ordered in 2020 are reported to be launched within a week.
The rolling stock is based on Škoda Group’s established 7Ev (RegioPanter) platform for partially low-floor single-deck electric trains. The EMU for Bulgaria has been tailored to the customer’s requirements with a special colour scheme and design for the interior. In addition, a passenger information system, signalling and other safety systems have been integrated to meet the specifications.
The 160 km/h trains are designed to operate on 25 kV AC lines. They offer accommodation for 333 passengers seated and feature dedicated spaces for people with reduced mobility, prams and bicycles.
In September 2024, the manufacturer signed a contract for the delivery of 20 trains with Bulgaria’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, which later exercised an option for an additional five units. The total procurement, including 15-year maintenance, is worth €326.7 mln, excluding VAT. The project is funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The fleet is manufactured at the Plzeň plant in Czechia with around 80% of components supplied by Czech companies. The remaining five EMUs are expected to arrive in Bulgaria by September.
