Swiss transportation company Stadler said it and its partner, Chicago commuter rail operator Metra will show off their battery-electric FLIRT train at the coming APTA EXPO 2026.
The train, the first zero-emission battery-electric FLIRT train, marks a milestone in the sustainable, zero-emission North American passenger rail transportation, officials with Stadler North America said.
“Stadler is proud to demonstrate how innovative vehicle technology can help agencies achieve their sustainability, service, and operational goals,” Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler North America said.
Built for Metra, the battery-electric FLIRT represents a new generation in zero-emission rail technology, officials with Stadler said. The train is designed to help transit agencies modernize service without converting to full corridor electrification, officials said. Metra ordered eight of the trainsets as part of its commitment to cleaner transit, and more flexible passenger transportation solutions. The new trainsets are expected to enter into Metra service by 2028.
“As transit agencies across North America explore practical pathways toward reducing emissions, battery-electric rail technology is becoming an increasingly attractive solution,” Ritter said. “We are proud to present the first U.S. battery FLIRT and demonstrate how innovative vehicle technology can help agencies achieve their sustainability, service, and operational goals.”
The battery FLIRT is based on Stadler’s FLIRT platform and uses onboard lithium-ion batteries on non-electrified corridors for zero local emissions. The trains can recharge on existing 480V cabling, as well as through recovering energy through regenerative braking. Stadler said the flexibility offered by the trains allows rail operations the ability to deploy electric service on routes where traditional electrification may not be economically feasible.
“This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.”
The train will be demonstrated on Oct. 5, at 1:30 p.m.at the Stadler Exhibit during APTA EXPO 2026 in Chicago.