New battery-powered RegioPanter train revealed in Czech Republic

Czech Railways and Škoda Group have unveiled the first RegioPanter train equipped with battery technology at the Rail Business Days trade fair in Ostrava, Czech Republic. This innovative model features three battery packs mounted on the roof, allowing for zero-emission operation on non-electrified sections of the line.

The battery-powered RegioPanter can travel up to 80 kilometers at speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour under its own power. The batteries are recharged through traction or energy recovery during braking, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport, praised the introduction of the new unit equipped with traction batteries, highlighting the positive impact on passenger comfort and the environment. These trains will initially operate on the Ostrava-Studénka-Veřovice line, providing seamless travel for passengers without the need to change trains.

This unit is one of four battery-powered trains scheduled to begin passenger operations in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic starting December 2024. The trains are also equipped with advanced features such as a CCTV system, ETCS signaling system, and an automatic train operation system.

Jiří Ješeta, member of the Board of Directors and Deputy CEO of Czech Railways for Passenger Transport, emphasized the environmental benefits of the RegioPanters with batteries, stating that they represent a significant step forward in eco-friendly transportation. Czech Railways plans to be the first carrier in the country to introduce four trains with battery cells, followed by fifteen fully battery-powered trains. These units can operate on partially electrified lines, eliminating the need for passengers to switch between electric and diesel trains.