Forward R & D: Czech Republic Signs New €300 Million Electric Train Order!

Arriva Group and Škoda have formally signed a contract worth €300 million to supply new electric trains for the Czech Republic, with deployment scheduled to start from December 2028. According to the agreement, Škoda will produce 22 low - floor EMUs (Electric Multiple Units) with a maximum speed of 200 km/h.

As introduced by Škoda, this contract, worth 7 billion Czech crowns (over €280 million), includes the delivery of 16 three - car sets and 6 four - car sets of trains, and also has an option to purchase additional vehicles. The three - car version has 224 seats, with more space reserved for bicycle storage. Passengers can buy snacks and hot drinks through vending machines. The four - car EMU has 315 seats, including a first - class cabin (exclusive to the entire carriage), and is also equipped with a bistro area featuring a service counter and a small kitchen. The level boarding design and low - floor interior ensure comfortable travel for passengers with reduced mobility, and an accessible toilet is a necessary feature.

The new trains are developed based on Škoda's brand - new 26Ev train product platform and are suitable for inter - regional and long - distance transportation. This platform supports flexible marshalling of 3 - 7 trains, and a single unit can accommodate 200 - 600 seats. The trains are designed as a dual - system (3 kV DC, 25 kV AC) for Arriva and can also be adapted to the 15 kV AC system (such as in the German market). The bogie is designed for a speed of 230 km/h. The electric trains meet strict requirements for passenger comfort, pressure resistance, and fire safety, and can operate on high - speed lines and in tunnel sections longer than 5 kilometers, being suitable for the upcoming lines to be built in the Czech Republic.