Škoda Group will supply nine battery electric trains to Latvia under a newly signed contract with Autotransporta direkcija (ATD). Deliveries are expected by 2029.
The procurement follows an open tender process that ran for three years. The tender received bids from CAF, Škoda Group, and Stadler. Škoda was selected to deliver the battery trains, known as BEMUs (Battery Electric Multiple Units), which are designed to operate on non-electrified routes.
The new trains will replace part of the current diesel fleet on non-electrified lines. At present, passenger services in these areas are handled by 23 diesel trains built between 1980 and 1992. The BEMUs will primarily operate in the directions of Daugavpils and Cēsis, where new charging infrastructure will be constructed. Charging will be possible via overhead lines or at dedicated charging stations.
The new trains will consist of two cars with low-floor entry and offer 188 seats, including 24 in first class. Their maximum speed will be 160 km/h on electrified tracks and 120 km/h in battery mode. Compared to the existing diesel trains, improved acceleration is expected to reduce travel times by 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the route.
Interior features include air conditioning, reduced noise and vibration levels, modern toilets, power sockets and USB-C ports. The layout provides designated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and cyclists. Each train includes eight bicycle spaces—four vertical and four horizontal—located in the low-floor section.
The framework agreement includes an option for the acquisition of up to seven additional trains, subject to available funding. This would allow further replacement of diesel trains and potential expansion to destinations such as Rēzekne and Valmiera.
Škoda Group already supplies rolling stock to Latvia’s passenger operator Vivi, which runs 32 Škoda 16Ev electric trains. According to the manufacturer, these vehicles have collectively covered over 8 million kilometres. In addition to Latvia, Škoda delivers vehicles to other Baltic states, including electric trains for Estonia.
