Škoda BEMU trains for Latvia set for first-half 2029 debut

Škoda BEMU trains for Latvia are moving ahead after Škoda Group won a contract to supply up to 16 battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains for operation in the country, according to a Škoda Group statement. Meanwhile, the tender, organised by Autotransporta direkcija (ATD), covers an initial order for nine trains, an option for seven additional units, plus spare parts and training, as reported by Railway-News.

Contract scope and delivery timeline

Valued at almost €160 million, the order will see an initial batch of vehicles deployed in the first half of 2029. Also, the two-car units will be Škoda Group’s first battery-powered vehicles designed for the 1,520 mm gauge, representing an evolution of the existing platform of single-deck regional trains developed for the Baltic markets.

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Funding for modern emission-free mobility in Latvia

Acquisition of the vehicles has been financed by the Latvian state budget and the EU Cohesion Fund. In addition, both are aimed at supporting the development of modern emission-free mobility in Latvia.

Technical profile of the battery electric unit trains

The two-car units have been designed to operate on 3kV DC and 25kV 50Hz AC power supply systems. Separately, they are capable of operating at speeds of up to 160 km/h in trolleybus mode and 120 km/h in battery mode. Still, each train will offer a capacity of up to 188 seats, with 24 in 1st class, and eight seats allocated for the transportation of bicycles.

Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, said:

Our new generation battery units confirm that clean and efficient regional transport can be a reality today. And without the need for extensive investments in infrastructure modernisation. The combination of electric and battery operation brings lower operating costs to carriers and fast and comfortable connections without transfers to passengers.

We see strong export potential for this solution, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. And we are very pleased that we are concluding another export order for this type of vehicle in such a short time and have surpassed the competition here with our solution. The Škoda Group is thus also confirming its position as a leading European group in the field of rolling stock and solutions for zero-emission mobility.

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