Stadler Showcases New FLIRT Akku Train with ODEG

Stadler has showcased its new FLIRT Akku train alongside partners Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG).

The train was showcased during a ceremonial journey from Schwerin to Parchim in which a FLIRT Akku train on loan from the Schleswig-Holstein local transport association NAH.SH was used – the same type of vehicle set to be used by ODEG.

The new units are set to enter service in West Mecklenburg in December 2027, with the contract for the ‘Westmecklenburg II’ transport initially awarded to ODEG in December 2024.

The contract calls for 14 FLIRT Akku battery-powered trains from Stadler, which will begin operations on non-electrified lines including RB13 (Rehna – Schwerin – Parchim), RB14 (Hagenow Stadt – Ludwigslust – Parchim), RB15 (Waren (Müritz) – Inselstadt Malchow – Plau am See, seasonal) and RB19 (Parchim – Plau am See, seasonal).

Powered via both the use of overhead lines and battery power on non-electrified sections; the FLIRT Akku trains will offer seating for up to 98 passengers, Wi-Fi, a modern passenger information system and livery in the state colours of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

The vehicles are currently being developed and built by Stadler, with maintenance set to be carried out at the ODIG workshop in Parchim.

Stefan Neubert, Managing Director of ODEG, said:

In West Mecklenburg, we are committed to modern, environmentally friendly mobility – quiet, comfortable and suitable for everyday use by our passengers. The FLIRT Akku vehicle concept offered by Stadler has convinced us and will help us to achieve this goal in the best possible way.

The project was made possible via funding from the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) as part of the Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives in Rail Transport programme, as well as additional funding from the German Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP) through the European Recovery and Resilience Facility (ARF) in the NextGenerationEU programme.