Czech technology company AŽD has begun testing a battery-powered tram-train, an experimental project that could open up new opportunities for regional rail transport.
The trials are taking place on the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov railway line, known as Kopidlnka, located in the north-central part of Czechia, in the Hradec Králové Region and partly in the Central Bohemian Region.
The aim of the project is to demonstrate that a lightweight vehicle derived from a tram can provide safe and efficient services on the railway network.
Technological modifications behind the vehicle
The vehicle used in the project is based on the KT8D5R.N2, a modernised version of the well-known KT8D5 tram that has been in service in Brno since 1990. Following an extensive conversion for railway operation, it was renamed LENKA (Light Electric Rechargeable Rail Vehicle of the AŽD).
As part of the conversion, the tram’s central section was transformed into a technical compartment housing a 192 kWh battery pack. The vehicle is capable of travelling approximately 80 km on a single charge, reaching a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
“The conversion also included the complete rewiring of the electrical system, installation of technological switchboards, battery management systems, air-conditioning units for the battery compartments and a passenger information system. The vehicle was also equipped with railway-specific components, including new headlights, signal and tail lights, dual-tone horns, a driver’s vigilance control system, communication technologies, and GSM-R and 5G antennas,” said Jan Hula, Project Manager at AŽD.
The conversion also involved adapting the bogies for railway operation. The original tram wheelsets were replaced with railway wheelsets, while a special coupling device was installed to allow the vehicle to be connected to conventional rolling stock. In addition, the exterior design was modified to comply with railway operating requirements.
AŽD invested a total of CZK 12 million (approximately EUR 485,000) in purchasing, converting and equipping the vehicle.
Battery-powered tram-train to be tested until 2027
At this stage, the tram-train is operating without passengers under an authorisation issued by the Czech Railway Authority. The trials are intended to assess the vehicle’s performance on the railway network and validate new technologies developed by AŽD, including systems designed to prevent collisions and enhance operational safety.
The company plans to complete all testing by 31 December 2027, after which it intends to apply for approval to operate commercial passenger services.
The project also seeks to identify more cost-effective solutions for regional railway lines, where operating costs continue to rise. According to AŽD, lightweight, energy-efficient battery-powered vehicles could provide a viable alternative to conventional trains on low-demand routes.
Several Czech companies from the railway and transport technology sectors contributed to the project, including VKV Praha, EVC Group, Rail Electronics CZ, SKD TRADE, STARMON, MSV elektronika, DCom and the Brno Public Transport Company.
Through this initiative, AŽD is continuing its strategy of developing innovative solutions for regional rail transport, focusing on vehicles with lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint at a time when railway operators are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to maintain services on lightly used lines.
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