Škoda’s new RegioPanter EMU has obtained type approval from the Czech Rail Authority following a five-month trial period.
Czech Railways has already agreed a CZK 2.5 billion deal for 19 RegioPanter trains.
The first five vehicles were delivered last year and are already in operation in five regions across the country – Olomouc, South Bohemia, Pardubice, Hradec Králové and Usti. The remaining trains will be phased in between now and 2014.
Having gained certification, vehicles can now be rolled out across the Czech Republic.
“Tests were carried out with several domestic and foreign accredited testing laboratories,” said George Paruza, director of Škoda Vagonka.
“This challenging process clearly demonstrated that RegioPantery meet the required properties.”
Joseph Bernard, managing director of Škoda Transportation, added: “The first units began to serve in a trial with passengers in the autumn of last year. During that time [they] showed a high degree of reliability.
“Our team of engineers, developers and designers proved that he can in a short time to develop and produce superior machine comparable to the world’s greatest products of our competitors.”
New electric single-storey units are available in three variants in relation to traction voltage dual-system two-car, three-car dual-system and three-car DC.
The new vehicles also utilise regenerative braking technology.
