Denmark’s regional operator Lokaltog is deepening its commitment to battery-electric rail, ordering ten additional Stadler FLIRT Akku trains and bringing its total procurement to 24 units.
The move aligns with Region Zealand’s strategy to replace ageing IC2 diesel multiple units—some over 30 years old—and cut carbon emissions without the expense of full network electrification. The first 14 trains are scheduled for passenger service in early 2028, with the latest batch to follow in 2029.
Together, they will serve largely rural and coastal routes across Zealand, Lolland, and potentially Odsherred, areas where the cost of installing continuous overhead wiring remains prohibitive.
The FLIRT Akku’s operational profile suits Denmark’s infrastructure gap, it can run under overhead wires as a standard electric train, switch to battery mode for up to 100 km on non-electrified track, and recharge via catenary or regenerative braking. A 2021 Guinness World Record run of 224 km on a single charge demonstrated its potential for extended rural coverage.
This dual capability offers a pragmatic alternative to Denmark’s slower electrification pace compared to other Western European countries, enabling zero-emission service expansion without major capital works. Stadler, which claims roughly 50% of the European battery train market, is producing the units at its Siedlce plant in Poland and continues parallel development of hydrogen and hybrid systems for broader application.
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