The international premiere of the new RegioPanter battery-electric multiple units (BEMU) took place at the TRAKO 2025 trade fair in Gdańsk. Škoda Group presented the trains together with České dráhy (ČD) and the Moravian-Silesian Region, marking their first appearance outside the Czech Republic.
Škoda is building 15 two-car battery units for ČD, scheduled to enter service in 2027 in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
The trains combine overhead electric operation with battery power. While running under catenary, they recharge their batteries, enabling about 80 kilometres of service on non-electrified tracks. They reach 160 km/h on wires and 120 km/h on battery power. Regenerative braking adds efficiency.
"RegioPanter battery units are a clean and efficient solution for regional transport," said Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group. "They can be deployed immediately, without waiting for new infrastructure."
ČD has already tested four first-generation units since 2024, covering over half a million kilometres. "On the Ostrava–Veřovice line, passenger numbers rose by 20 percent thanks to these trains," said ČD CEO Michal Krapinec.
The pilot units are estimated to save at least 200,000 litres of diesel and 500 tonnes of CO₂ annually. They also cut journey times and boosted ridership, strengthening the case for further deployment.
Key technical parameters of the new BEMU
- Length: 53 metres (two-car unit)
- Seats: 150
- Total capacity: 323 passengers
- Power: 1,360 kW continuous
- Max. speed: 160 km/h (electric), 120 km/h (battery)
- Battery range: approx. 80 km
- Safety: ETCS Level 2 Baseline 3
