The initial order covers 16 two-car trains valued at about EUR 144 million. A wider framework for up to 36 trains, worth almost EUR 332 million, remains in place through the consortium of Škoda Group and ŽOS Trnava.
The trains are based on the Panter platform for 157 seated passengers. ETCS Level 2 is included in the onboard package. ZSSK plans to introduce them from 2028, primarily in the Nitra, Trenčín, Trnava, and Žilina regions, with deployment adjusted according to operational needs.
Traction is supplied from the overhead line or from onboard batteries, which activate on sections without electrification. The trains reach up to 160 km/h under catenary and 120 km/h in battery mode. The minimum declared battery range is 80 km, supported by charging from the overhead line, wayside equipment, and regenerative braking.
Interior equipment includes air-conditioned saloons and cabs, Wi-Fi, power sockets with USB outlets, information systems, and low-floor access. Space for bicycles and prams is integrated into the layout. The focus on quieter operation aims to reduce noise impact along regional corridors.
ZSSK expects the trains to replace diesel traction on selected routes, reducing local emissions by 2.3 million kg of pollutants and about 130 million kg of CO₂ per year compared with current operations.
Slovakia operates 3,630 km of railway lines, of which 1,585 km are electrified; the technology is therefore intended to support operation across mixed-infrastructure networks.
