The Škoda Group unveiled the new generation of the RegioPanter battery-powered train at the Rail Business Days 2026 international trade fair in Ostrava. The new train is designed specifically for regions with partially electrified rail infrastructure and enables fast, quiet, and emission-free service, even on lines without an overhead contact line.
The Škoda Group is currently manufacturing 15 such trains for the Czech railway operator České dráhy, intended for operation in the Moravia-Silesia region. At the same time, the technology is already enjoying success in foreign markets, with the company securing orders for up to 16 battery-powered trains in Latvia and up to 36 in Slovakia. Together with an order for up to 34 trains equipped with batteries and a diesel generator for RegioJet, the portfolio exceeds 100 units currently in production or on order.
The new generation of the RegioPanter battery-powered train combines electric and battery traction. When running under the overhead wire, the batteries are continuously charged, and on non-electrified sections, the train uses stored energy. The vehicle has a range of 80 km in battery mode, can travel at up to 160 km/h on electrified lines, and at 120 km/h in battery-only mode.
“We believe that the 15 new-generation RegioPanter battery trains represent an important new step in the development of modern, emission-free regional transport in the Moravia-Silesia region. The first four battery trains have already demonstrated that this is the right direction. Since entering service at the end of 2024, they have covered over one million kilometers and provided passengers with direct, comfortable connections without transfers, including on lines that are not fully electrified,” said Jiří Ješeta, Deputy General Director for Passenger Transport at České dráhy.
New technology and extended range
According to the manufacturer, the Škoda Group, the new RegioPanter was designed from the outset as a battery-powered train, unlike the previous generation, which was based on an electric unit that was subsequently adapted for this technology. The train uses LTO (lithium-titanate) batteries, which offer enhanced fire safety, a longer service life, and high performance.
The new configuration includes an optimized traction system and silicon carbide (SiC) converters, which reduce energy consumption and vehicle weight while maintaining similar performance in both electric and battery modes.
The train has 150 seats and is designed to meet the growing demand for modern regional transport. A key advantage of the technology is the ability to operate directly between non-electrified lines and main electrified corridors, eliminating the need for passenger transfers.
The first battery-powered trains already in service in the Moravia-Silesia region have covered over one million kilometers since their introduction into service at the end of 2024. According to the operator České dráhy, they have helped reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 40% compared to diesel railcars and have provided faster direct connections between towns in the region and the city of Ostrava.
“Our goal is to provide modern, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation that serves as a real alternative to traveling by private car. We would like to thank all our partners who are contributing to this effort,” said Radek Podstawka, Vice President of the Moravia-Silesia Region responsible for transportation.
With the new generation of RegioPanter, the Škoda Group is strengthening its position in the European market for battery-powered trains, a rapidly growing segment driven by demand for low-emission rail transport solutions and lower infrastructure electrification costs.
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