LATVIAN regional passenger operator Autotransporta direkcija (ATD) has awarded Škoda Group a contract to supply up to 16 battery-electric multiple-units (BEMU). Including the base order for nine trains, an option for seven more, spare parts and training, the contract is worth nearly €160m.
The order is being financed by the Latvian government and the European Union’s (EU) Cohesion Fund, with the latter supporting the development of zero-emission public transport in Latvia.
The first trains are due to enter service in the first half of 2029. The new ATD fleet will be the manufacturer’s first battery train designed for 1520mm gauge, and has been developed from Škoda’s single-deck regional platform for the Baltic markets.
Each train will be 56.4m long, and will be able to take current from the overhead supply at both 3kV dc and 25kV 50Hz ac. Maximum speed is 160km/h under catenary and 120km/h in battery mode. There will be a total of 188 seats per train, comprising 164 in second class in a 3+2 configuration and 24 2+2 first class seats.
Eight bicycle spaces will be provided in the low-floor section of each train, where the boarding height will be 600mm above the top of the rail. The new fleet will be fully accessible to passengers with reduced mobility, and amenities onboard the air-conditioned trains will include electrical sockets and USB-C charging points.
“The combination of electric and battery operation brings lower operating costs for transport operators and fast and comfortable connections without transfers for passengers,” says Škoda Group CEO, Petr Novotný.
“We see strong export potential for this solution, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.”
“Battery-powered electric trains represent a significant investment for Latvia, aimed at strengthening the role of railways as the backbone of public transport and improving the quality and accessibility of passenger transport,” says ATD board chairman, Jānis Lapiņš.
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