New Škoda EMUs for ARRIVA vlaky

On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, Škoda Group and ARRIVA vlaky signed a contract in Praha for the delivery of 22 new Type Škoda 26Ev EMUs. These will be used on the Ex6 Praha - Plzeň - Cheb line and the R16 Praha - Beroun - Plzeň - Klatovy lines. ARRIVA vlaky will take over these lines from ČD in December 2028 for a period of 15 years. Sixteen three-car EMUs with a Bo'2' + 2'2' + 2'Bo' axle arrangement and a power output of 2,800 kW have been ordered for the latter line, each offering 224 seats. Six four-car EMUs with a Bo'2' + 2'2' + 2'2' + Bo'Bo' axle arrangement and a power output of 4,200 kW have been ordered for the Ex6 line, offering 315 seats each.

Both EMU variants are technically identical and are designed for 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz voltages, with a maximum speed of 200 km/h. This is the first time that a Škoda EMU has been designed for this speed. This design was seen for the first time at Škoda's stand at this year's RAIL BUSINESS DAYS in Ostrava, alongside images of another new type, 22Ev.

The units will be fitted with on-board ETCS and ATO, as well as vehicle condition monitoring system. The trains, which are approximately 50 % low-floor, will be fully air-conditioned and equipped with an information system, a Wi-Fi internet, sockets for charging small electronic devices and CCTV. The technical design of the presented unit is finalised, and the exterior design is almost finished, meaning it may undergo certain changes.

Petr Novotný, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Škoda Group, said: “This order from the private operator ARRIVA vlaky is very important for us, not only in terms of its financial scope, but also in terms of our position in the market. It is a second one after the RegioJet's contract. The segment of long-distance trains with a speed of 200 km/h is very important to us. We believe that this new platform, which we have been developing for several years, will be successful not only on the Czech market but also on the European market”.

Daniel Adamka, Managing Director of ARRIVA TRANSPORT CZECH REPUBLIC, added: "By signing this contract, we are fulfilling our long-term strategy in the Czech Republic. We are entering a new segment of electric long-distance transport with a clear goal - to offer passengers higher comfort, reliability, and environmentally friendly travel. This contract represents the largest investment in Arriva's history in Europe."