Latvia: Škoda to Supply 16 BEMUs for Autotransporta Direkcija

Škoda Group has been awarded a new contract for the supply of up to 16 battery electric multiple units (BEMUs) for Autotransporta direkcija (ATD).

The contract itself has been valued at nearly 160 million EUR and will include an option for seven additional vehicles, spare parts and training.

Initial vehicles are scheduled for deployment during the first half of 2029, and follow the launch of battery trains within the Czech Republic at the turn of both 2024 and 2025, as well as the signing of a contract for up to 36 battery trains in Slovakia.

The new units will be the first Škoda Group battery-powered vehicles designed for a 1,520 mm gauge, representing the next stage of evolution of the company’s platform of single-deck regional trains developed for use in the Baltic region.

Petr Novotný, CEO of the Škoda Group, said:

Our new-generation battery units confirm that clean and efficient regional transport can be a reality today. And this without the need for extensive investment in infrastructure modernisation.

The combination of electric and battery operation brings lower operating costs for transport operators and fast and comfortable connections without transfers for passengers. We see strong export potential for this solution, especially in Central and Eastern Europe.

We are very pleased that we have concluded another export order for this type of vehicle in such a short time and that our solution has outperformed the competition here. At the same time, the Škoda Group is confirming its position as a leading European group in the field of rolling stock and solutions for zero-emission mobility.

Financed by the state budget of Latvia and EU Cohesion Funds; the two-car units will be designed to operate on both 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC power supply systems, and will be capable of travelling at maximum speeds of up to 160km/h in trolley mode and 120 km/h in battery mode.

The units will offer capacity for up to 188 seated passengers, with 24 seats in First Class. Seat configurations in Second Class will be made up of 3+2, whereas First will be made up of 2+2.

Each unit will be adapted for the transportation of up to 8 bicycles, and will be kept accessible with a low-floor design.