ABB and Škoda Group have announced a partnership, the first of its kind between the two companies, that marks a milestone in railway electrification. The collaboration begins with ABB supplying its innovative Traction Battery Pro Series, which is compact and lightweight, and engineered to optimize vehicle performance while significantly reducing maintenance and downtime. The battery packs will be equipped on Škoda’s new fleet of battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) ordered by České dráhy, the Czech national railway operator. The order represents a significant advancement in the Czech railways transition to more sustainable operations, offering an immediate and practical solution for avoiding carbon emissions in rail transport. The order, with a value less than USD$20 million, was booked in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The initial agreement covers the delivery of 195 Pro 8C-850 battery packs for 15 BEMUs and will also comprise of a comprehensive 15-year service agreement. This is the first order for ABB traction technology placed by Škoda Group, a Czech engineering company specialized in rolling stock manufacturing and is one of several significant orders already placed for ABB’s new Traction Battery Pro Series, which was only recently announced in September 2024 at InnoTrans in Berlin, Germany.
The standardized Pro Battery Series is designed to suit BEMU applications, particularly in railway networks with partial electrification. This solution enables trains to operate on both electrified and non-electrified sections of track, providing flexibility and environmental benefits without requiring full infrastructure electrification.
Edgar Keller, ABB Traction Division President, said: “This partnership with Škoda Group represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide immediately available, energy-efficient solutions for railway operators. Our Pro Battery Series is an ideal solution to meet the demands of partially electrified networks, offering operators a proven option for reducing emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. This is further proof that at ABB, we help industries outrun – leaner and cleaner.”
Zdeněk Sváta, COO at Škoda Group said, “By partnering with ABB, we are supporting the railway industry’s commitment to a net zero future. Their Traction Battery Pro will be the perfect addition for our innovative BEMUs, as we help České dráhy bring a cleaner, quieter service. We look forward to continuing our partnership with ABB, working together to deliver more sustainable rail transport.”
