ÖBB orders seven additional Flirt Akku battery EMUs from Stadler
Type: Supply Agreement · Technology: Transport · Country: Austria · Announced: 2026-03-13
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has placed an order for seven additional three-car Flirt Akku battery EMUs from Stadler. This order is the second call-off from a larger €1.3 billion 10-year framework agreement signed in July 2023, which covers up to 120 Flirt Akku BEMUs. The new trains are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and will enter service in Lower Austria from December 2028, replacing existing DMUs on the non-electrified Kamptal and Erlauftal lines. Each battery EMU will feature over 160 seats, multipurpose areas, power sockets, and USB-C ports, contributing to an estimated annual saving of 500,000 litres of diesel and a reduction of 1200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Analysis
Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) is deepening its commitment to sustainable regional transport, exercising a second call-off for seven Stadler Flirt Akku battery EMUs. This latest order, announced on March 13, 2026, advances ÖBB's €1.3 billion 10-year framework agreement with Stadler, initially signed in July 2023 for up to 120 battery-electric multiple units. The commercial logic centers on decarbonizing non-electrified routes in Lower Austria, specifically targeting the Kamptal and Erlauftal lines from December 2028. Each three-car BEMU, scheduled for 2028 delivery, will replace existing diesel multiple units, directly contributing to an estimated annual saving of 500,000 litres of diesel and a reduction of 1200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. ÖBB benefits from modernizing its fleet with vehicles featuring over 160 seats, multipurpose areas, power sockets, and USB-C ports, enhancing passenger experience while meeting environmental targets. For Stadler, a Swiss manufacturer specializing in regional transport vehicles, this second call-off reinforces its position as a key supplier of innovative battery-electric rolling stock to national railway operators. The framework agreement with ÖBB, a state-owned national railway company managing an extensive rail network, provides Stadler with a substantial, long-term revenue stream through 2033. ÖBB's motivation stems from its mandate to operate and modernize Austria's rail infrastructure, leveraging battery EMUs to extend sustainable transport solutions beyond traditionally electrified lines and replace aging diesel fleets on specific non-electrified routes in Lower Austria. This strategic procurement aligns ÖBB's operational footprint with broader environmental objectives for passenger and freight transport, exemplifying a broader shift among European national railways towards adopting battery technology for regional lines where full electrification is not economically viable.
Key points
- ÖBB placed a second call-off for seven Stadler Flirt Akku battery EMUs on March 13, 2026.
- This order is part of a €1.3 billion 10-year framework agreement for up to 120 BEMUs, signed in July 2023.
- The new trains will replace DMUs on non-electrified Kamptal and Erlauftal lines in Lower Austria from December 2028.
- Each battery EMU is projected to help save 500,000 litres of diesel and reduce 1200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
- Stadler, a Swiss manufacturer, will deliver the three-car EMUs in 2028.
Counterparties
- ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) (Buyer)
- Stadler (Supplier)