The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has invested in seven additional FLIRT Akku units from Stadler.
All units will be manufactured in Bussnang and will aim to save roughly 500,000 litres of diesel per year once delivered in 2028.
The battery-powered FLIRT Akku train allows for emission-free operation even whilst travelling non-electrified lines and, starting in 2029, the new units will gradually replace existing diesel trains in Lower Austria, such as on the Kamptalbahn and Erlauftalbahn lines.
Ansgar Brockmeyer, Head of the Division Marketing & Sales at Stadler, said:The FLIRT Akku shows how modern technology and sustainable mobility go hand in hand. We are very pleased with the trust placed in us by ÖBB and that we can continue our successful collaboration.
In 2023, ÖBB and Stadler signed a framework agreement for the supply of up to 120 FLIRT Akku units. The first call-off included the provision of 16 vehicles for the Kamptalbahn, with the second call-off now taking place.
Offering over 160 seats, barrier-free boarding, multipurpose areas for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles, as well as power sockets and USB-C ports; the FLIRT Akku is configured to save roughly 500,000 litres of diesel per year when compared to those currently being phased out and reduce CO2 emissions by around 1,200 tonnes annually.
