Austria Pushes Rail Decarbonisation With New FLIRT Akku Order

Austria’s national rail operator is continuing its push towards cleaner regional transport after placing another order for battery-powered trains.

The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has ordered seven additional FLIRT Akku units from Stadler as part of its strategy to modernise regional services and reduce emissions. The trains will be built at Stadler’s manufacturing facility in Bussnang, with delivery scheduled for 2028.

Once introduced, the battery-electric multiple units will allow emission-free operation on lines that are not fully electrified. From the 2029 timetable change, the new trains are expected to gradually replace diesel services in Lower Austria, including routes such as the Kamptalbahn and Erlauftalbahn.

The order forms part of a wider framework agreement signed between ÖBB and Stadler in July 2023, which allows for up to 120 FLIRT Akku trains. The first call-off under that agreement covered 16 vehicles intended for the Kamptalbahn, while this latest order represents the second stage of the partnership.

Designed for regional travel, each FLIRT Akku train offers more than 160 seats along with barrier-free boarding. The vehicles also feature large multipurpose areas suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles, as well as onboard power sockets and USB-C charging points.

The trains use hybrid-capable drive technology that allows them to run beneath overhead electric wires or operate fully on battery power when travelling on non-electrified sections of railway.

ÖBB estimates that the introduction of the seven additional units will reduce diesel consumption by around 500,000 litres every year compared with the diesel fleet they will replace. The change is expected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,200 tonnes, roughly equivalent to the energy consumption of about 300 single-family homes.

The agreement further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Stadler and ÖBB, with both companies highlighting the move as another step towards more sustainable regional rail travel.

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.”

Image: Stadler