GERMAN Rail’s (DB) regional passenger subsidiary DB Regio has ordered 19 Flirt Akku BEMUs from Stadler, which will operate on the Central Thuringia battery network. The value of the contract was not disclosed.
The eastern German state of Thuringia awarded DB Regio a 15-year contract to operate the Central Thuringia battery network in February, which will see BEMUs deployed for the first time in the state. The contract covers the operation of 3.6 million timetabled train-km a year and runs from December 2028 to December 2043.
The Flirt Akku BEMUs will be able to run for up to 80km on battery power, with batteries charged from the overhead line during operation on electrified sections of the network.
With 148 fixed and 12 tip-up seats in each two-car BEMU, the new Flirt Akku trains will provide more seating capacity than existing rolling stock and more generous seat spacing, according to Stadler. There will also be a separate area without tip-up seats for bicycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs, and the new trains will offer level boarding and onboard Wi-Fi. They will be equipped with onboard CCTV and electronic passenger information systems.
The interior design and exterior livery reflect new branding for regional passenger services in Thuringia, being specified here for first time, and which will be gradually rolled out across the state.
Stadler says that it has now received orders for a total of 151 Flirt Akku trains for operators in Germany, including 44 for DB Regio that will operate on the Palatinate network. The manufacturer adds that it has supplied 50% of all rail vehicles with alternative drive systems in Europe.
