Czech Railways launches tenders for up to 120 battery-electric trains


Czech Railways (České dráhy) has launched two public tenders to procure up to 120 battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) for regional passenger services, as it looks to scale up battery traction across electrified and non-electrified lines.

Czechia’s state-owned operator Czech Railways (České dráhy, ČD) has confirmed it is seeking suppliers for two dual-source EMU types – BEMU130 and BEMU135 – for its regional services with framework agreements covering up to 40 BEMU130 units and up to 80 BEMU135 units.

ČD said the move is a direct response to increased regional demand. As CEO Michal Krapinec put it: “A number of regions have already declared their interest in deploying dual-source electric trains in regional transport, and other regions are considering this step. He added that the battery trains would offer a number of advantages, including enabling the introduction of direct connections on electrified and non-electrified lines without transfers.

“In the Moravian-Silesian Region, where similar trains already operate, we have verified that there is great interest in such connections and the number of passengers on modern, barrier-free and direct trains without transfers is increasing,” he added.

Czech Railways’ BEMU tenders at a glance

  • Buyer: Czech Railways (ČD)
  • What: Two tenders for battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) for regional passenger services
  • Total potential order: Up to 120 trains (framework agreements)
  • Train types / volumes: BEMU130 (up to 40); BEMU135 (up to 80)
  • Guaranteed order: 13 trains (7 BEMU130 + 6 BEMU135)
  • Power / compatibility: Dual-source with batteries; 3 kV DC + 25 kV 50 Hz AC
  • Minimum seating: 121 (BEMU130) / 140 (BEMU135)
  • Top speed: 160 km/h under catenary; 120 km/h on battery
  • Onboard spec: Partially low-floor; air conditioning; 1st + 2nd class; space for bikes/strollers/luggage; Wi-Fi, power + USB; audio-visual passenger information
  • Safety/comms: ETCS + GSM-R required
  • Commercial structure: Framework contracts; additional orders depend on regions; spare parts included; maintenance terms to be negotiated with bidders

Only thirteen units for now

The tenders are structured as framework contracts. Czech Railways guarantees an initial purchase of 13 units – seven BEMU130s and six BEMU135s – out of the total of up to 120 units. Additional units will be ordered in line with the regions’ requirements. The contract scope also includes spare parts for service and maintenance, including components for an exchange repair system, while full-service maintenance terms will be negotiated with bidders.

Technically, the trains are specified as modern, partially low-floor dual-voltage units compatible with 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz AC operation, with capacity for at least 121 seated passengers (BEMU130) and 140 (BEMU135). The air-conditioned interior is to provide first- and second-class seating, alongside space for strollers, bicycles and bulky luggage. Equipment requirements include onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB connectors, and a modern audio-visual passenger information system. The units must also be fitted with GSM-R and ETCS communication and safety systems. Maximum speed is set at 160 km/h under the overhead line and 120 km/h in battery mode.

The two procurements will be run under the Czech Public Procurement Act as a negotiated procedure with publication, with a qualification stage followed by multi-round negotiations on delivery terms, including detailed technical solutions and contractual arrangements. Technical parameters are aligned with regional customer requirements and the conditions of the national TRANSGOV subsidy programme.

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