ABB & Škoda Group: Accelerating Railway Electrification
ABB and Škoda Group have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to accelerate railway electrification.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards more sustainable rail operations in Europe.
The agreement begins with ABB supplying its cutting-edge Traction Battery Pro Series, a lightweight and compact battery system designed to optimise the performance of electric trains.
These advanced batteries will be used in Škoda’s new fleet of battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) ordered by České dráhy, the Czech national railway operator.
The deal, valued at under US$20 million, was finalised in the fourth quarter of 2024, setting the stage for a new era of low-emission rail travel.
A step forward for the czech railway system
This order represents a major move for the Czech railway sector, which is undergoing a transition to greener, more sustainable operations.
The BEMUs, equipped with ABB’s innovative battery packs, will enable the Czech national railway to reduce carbon emissions in its operations.
The Traction Battery Pro Series offers an efficient solution for rail systems looking to cut their environmental footprint without the need for extensive infrastructure changes.
With the ability to operate on both electrified and non-electrified tracks, these trains are a flexible and practical answer to partial electrification in railway networks.
“By partnering with ABB, we are supporting the railway industry’s commitment to a net zero future," says Zdeněk Sváta, COO at Škoda Group.
"Their Traction Battery Pro will be the perfect addition for our innovative BEMUs, as we help České dráhy bring a cleaner, quieter service.
"We look forward to continuing our partnership with ABB, working together to deliver more sustainable rail transport.”
The Czech order includes 195 Pro 8C-850 battery packs for 15 BEMUs, along with a comprehensive 15-year service agreement.
This is the first instance of Škoda Group placing an order for ABB’s traction technology, although the Pro Series has already attracted significant attention from other rail operators since its launch at the InnoTrans trade show in September 2024.
Long-term impact on rail electrification
The collaboration between ABB and Škoda Group is a key milestone in the ongoing push for more sustainable rail transport.
By focusing on battery-electric solutions, the two companies are helping to reduce reliance on traditional fossil-fuel-powered trains, thus supporting the global shift towards greener transport alternatives.
The long-term service agreement ensures that the fleet will remain efficient and well-maintained over the next 15 years, further contributing to the sustainability goals of both the Czech railway system and the broader European rail network.
This partnership highlights how innovation and collaboration can drive forward the electrification of transport, providing both environmental and operational benefits in the process.
“This partnership with Škoda Group represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide immediately available, energy-efficient solutions for railway operators," adds Edgar Keller, ABB Traction Division President.
"Our Pro Battery Series is an ideal solution to meet the demands of partially electrified networks, offering operators a proven option for reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
"This is further proof that at ABB, we help industries outrun – leaner and cleaner.”
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