Lokaltog orders RS ZERO
posted on 10th Nov 2026 10:14
On 6 October 2026, Danish rail operator Lokaltog has selected Stadler to supply four RS ZERO battery trains for the Nærum Line (Nærumbanen). The order marks the first European contract for Stadler's RS ZERO battery train platform.
Nærumbanen is the shortest private railway in Denmark, featuring eight stations. The 7.8 km line runs from Jægersborg to Nærum, passing through the picturesque Mølleådalen valley. Approximately 775,000 passengers travel on the Nærumbanen line annually.
In September 2025, Lokaltog launched a tender for four BEMUs and the associated charging infrastructure. In addition to Stadler Deutschland in partnership with Furrer+Frey other entities that pre-qualified for the tender included Bozankaya Rayli Sistemler (Turkey), in collaboration with Efacec Engenharia e Sistemas (Portugal), and Končar (Croatia).
An in-depth technical and legal assessment of the three bids received revealed that only Stadler and Končar submitted proposals in compliance with the tender requirements, and that the two companies were in close competition. The financial terms of the winning bid also fall within the economic framework presented to the Capital Region in 2024.
With this decision, Lokaltog is opting for a new generation of zero-emission regional trains for the northern suburbs of København. The BEMUs are scheduled to enter service in 2031, replacing the existing RegioSprinter DMUs from 1999. They have reached an age where a replacement is naturally due in the coming years, not least because sourcing spare parts has become increasingly difficult.
The aim is to provide climate-friendly, CO₂-free rail transport while simultaneously reducing noise and vibrations. Together with Furrer+Frey, Stadler will also provide the necessary charging infrastructure for the RS ZERO. The two companies have already implemented comparable battery rail solutions in Germany and France.
Schedule
In September 2024, the Regional Council of the Capital Region decided that Lokaltog should initiate a tender process for the procurement of new battery-powered trains and the associated charging infrastructure for the Nærumbanen line:
- September 2025 – publication of the tender,
- October 2025 – pre-qualification of suppliers,
- August 2026 – deadline for final bids from suppliers,
- October 2026 – Decision on the tender and selection of the supplier,
- December 2026 - January 2027 – the Capital Region and the Region of Eastern Denmark authorize Lokaltog to procure new BEMUs, etc.
- January - February 2027 – signing of the contract with the supplier,
- First half of 2031 – expected delivery and entry into service of the battery-powered trains
The RS ZERO was specifically developed for regional services on non-electrified lines. It is based on Stadler's proven Regio-Shuttle vehicle family, of which around 500 units have already been sold. For battery-electric operation, the platform has been further developed using proven components from Stadler's existing electric and battery train projects. The trains will be manufactured at Stadler's Berlin plant.
The Nærumbanen illustrates the potential of this technology: Compared with the current diesel operation, Lokaltog estimates annual CO₂ savings of around 800 tonnes. That is roughly equivalent to the amount of CO₂ absorbed by about 80,000 trees each year.
The decision further expands Lokaltog's cooperation with Stadler in Denmark. Lokaltog has already ordered 24 FLIRT AKKU battery trains for the Østbanen, Tølløsebanen, and Odsherredsbanen lines. These vehicles are scheduled to enter service between 2028 and 2029.
