Summary
- ABB is providing Škoda Group with Traction Battery Pro Series for new electric railcars
- Initial agreement includes delivery of 195 Pro 8C-850 battery packs for BEMUs
- Order is valued at around $20 million and includes a 15-year service agreement
- ABB’s Traction Battery Pro Series allows trains to operate on electrified and non-electrified tracks
- Series is designed to optimize vehicle performance and reduce maintenance and downtime
Article
ABB has secured an agreement with Škoda Group to supply its Traction Battery Pro Series for Škoda’s new fleet of electric railcars for the Czech national railway operator, České dráhy. The deal includes the delivery of 195 Pro 8C-850 battery packs for 15 battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs), along with a 15-year service agreement. This order, worth approximately $20 million, was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024. This partnership marks the first order for ABB traction technology from Škoda Group and is part of ABB’s efforts to expand its presence in the rail industry.
The Traction Battery Pro Series is specifically designed for BEMU applications, particularly in railway networks with partial electrification. By utilizing this solution, trains can operate on both electrified and non-electrified sections of track, offering flexibility and environmental benefits without the need for full infrastructure electrification. ABB emphasizes that the Series has been engineered to optimize vehicle performance while reducing maintenance and downtime significantly. The introduction of this technology is aimed at boosting the efficiency and sustainability of rail transportation, aligning with the industry’s increasing focus on electrification and reducing carbon emissions.
Škoda Group’s decision to choose ABB’s Traction Battery Pro Series highlights the quality and reliability of ABB’s products in the rail sector. The partnership between the two companies represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable transportation solutions in the region. ABB has received several orders for the Pro Series since its announcement in September 2024, indicating a growing demand for innovative and eco-friendly solutions in the rail industry. By leveraging ABB’s advanced traction technology, Škoda Group aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of its electric railcars, ultimately benefiting passengers and the environment.
The collaboration between ABB and Škoda Group underscores the importance of investing in cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving demands of the rail industry. As the transportation sector transitions towards electrification and sustainable practices, solutions like the Traction Battery Pro Series play a crucial role in driving this transformation. By providing a versatile and efficient power source for BEMUs, ABB is contributing to the advancement of electric mobility and reducing the environmental impact of rail transport. The 15-year service agreement included in the deal further ensures the long-term maintenance and operation of the battery packs, ensuring the continued reliability of the electric railcars.
Overall, ABB’s partnership with Škoda Group to supply the Traction Battery Pro Series for electric railcars represents a significant advancement in sustainable transportation technology. This collaboration not only demonstrates ABB’s commitment to providing innovative solutions for the rail industry but also showcases Škoda Group’s dedication to enhancing the performance and efficiency of its fleet. By leveraging ABB’s expertise in traction technology, the companies are working together to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly rail network in the Czech Republic. The successful implementation of the Pro Series in Škoda’s BEMUs paves the way for future developments in electric mobility and underscores the importance of investing in eco-friendly solutions for transportation.
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