New battery train for Westmecklenburg: Future of the train begins in 2027!

New battery train for Westmecklenburg: Future of the train begins in 2027!

Ludwigslust, Deutschland - yesterday, on July 17, 2025, Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG) presented the new battery-operated flirt battery train together with the Swiss manufacturer Stadler. The solemn trip from Schwerin to Parchim offered the first insight into the future of regional rail transport in Westmecklenburg, where these innovative trains are to replace the previous diesel models from December 2027. ODEG has already ordered 14 of these new trains that are used for various connections in the state and thus represent an important step towards environmentally friendly mobility.

The new flirt cordless trains are not just something for technology fans. They offer space for up to 98 passengers, are accessible accessible and equipped with free WiFi. There are also special areas for bicycles and strollers. It is particularly exciting that these trains can be used both under overhead lines and in battery operation, whereby they can cover at least 80 kilometers between charging processes. This means that you can also be on the road on routes without ongoing electrification, such as the RB13 from Rehna to Parchim and the RB14 from Hagenow City to Parchim. In addition, the performance of the trains will be really impressive at a top speed of 140 km/h and improved acceleration.

behind the scenes

The financing of the project is diverse. It is not only supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), which provides funds from the "German structure and resilience plan", but also by the European Union as part of Nextgenerationeu. The ministry thus pursues the goal of reaching the climate goals in rail transport and reducing the emissions of diesel transport, especially on routes that cannot be electrified economically. The new funding guideline to support alternative drives in rail transport also plays a central role here.

The decision for battery -operated trains has not come from approximate. In Germany, only around 62 percent of the rail network is currently electrified, and the numbers are even lower in rural areas. In order to make rail traffic in a future-appropriate way, technologies such as the flirt cordless trains are considered as a practical solution. Even if hydrogen was discussed as an alternative energy shape, technical challenges came up with technical challenges, so that the focus is on battery technology. This is particularly relevant because the German railway companies want to completely adjust the diesel-controlled train connections by 2040.

a step into the future

The Flirt Cordless trains are part of several development projects that are intended to promote alternative drives. In addition to the battery -operated trains, hydrogen -powered vehicles are also on the agenda. The mix of classic overhead line and innovative solutions such as the new flirt cordless trains should help close the gaps in the existing rail network. Especially for less strongly populated regions, these trains offer sustainable transport links and contribute to ensuring and improving mobility in the future.

For more information on this topic, you can report on Railtetech href = "https://railway-news.com/stadler showcases-new-flirt-akku-train-with-odeg/"> Railway news and BMV read.