At the world’s premier rail exhibition in Berlin, Stadler used its stand to announce two game-changing product families. The first is the Euro DuFour a locomotive capable of roaming under four distinct overhead voltages without a change of equipment. The second is a purpose-built narrow-gauge hydrogen multiple unit (HMU) destined for the island networks of Sardinia, Calabria and Sicily. Both solutions address long-standing pain points – fragmented electrification standards and reliance on diesel on secondary lines – while aligning with Europe’s climate-neutral transport agenda.
Stadler’s strategy is built on three pillars: interoperabilitysustainability and regional adaptability. By combining cutting-edge power electronics, modular design and renewable-fuel technologies, the Swiss manufacturer aims to supply operators with a single platform that can be tweaked for high-speed intercity work, commuter service or remote-area shuttles. The following sections break down the technical specifics and the expected impact on rail operators.
Euro DuFour: a four-system locomotive for pan-European routes
The Euro DuFour is engineered as a true multi-system locomotive. Its onboard transformer and converter suite recognises and adapts to 1.5 kV DC, 3 kV DC, 15 kV AC and 25 kV AC, allowing a single train to cross borders from France to Poland without stopping for a change of motive power. Weighing between 80 and 84 tonnes – the variation depends on whether optional battery modules are installed – the vehicle also integrates a steering system that reduces rail wear by roughly 20 %, extending track life and lowering maintenance budgets.
Beyond voltage flexibility, the Euro DuFour incorporates an auxiliary battery pack that can capture regenerative energy during braking. This stored power can be used for short-haul runs on non-electrified sidings, giving operators a hybrid capability without the need for separate diesel shunters. Safety-critical functions are handled by redundant digital control units, and the cab ergonomics follow Stadler’s latest human-machine-interface guidelines, ensuring driver comfort on long hauls. Early interest has come from operators seeking to streamline cross-border services, particularly on corridors where mixed electrification has previously forced complex fleet mixes.
World-first narrow-gauge hydrogen multiple unit for Southern Italy
In partnership with three Italian regional carriers – ARST on Sardinia, Ferrovie della Calabria and Ferrovia Circumetnea – Stadler unveiled a hydrogen-powered HMU that is the first of its kind designed for narrow-gauge tracks (1 000 mm). The train consists of a central “Power Pack” car that houses fuel cells, hydrogen tanks and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The fuel cells generate electricity on-board, while the battery absorbs excess power and provides a boost for acceleration, enabling a continuous operation range of about 460 km on a single refill.
Each unit can seat up to 89 passengers in a low-floor layout that improves accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Large panoramic windows and a quiet interior – up to 10 dB lower than comparable diesel units – enhance passenger comfort while reducing noise pollution for communities along the line. Refuelling takes less than half an hour, and the hydrogen itself will be produced locally using solar-electric electrolysis, turning the operators into de-facto renewable-energy providers. Stadler estimates that the fleet of 21 trains will cut CO₂ emissions by more than 2 100 tonnes annually, roughly the equivalent of 450 round-trip car journeys across the Atlantic.
Flirt Nordic Express: tackling Norway’s Arctic challenges
While the Italian projects focus on sustainability, Stadler also displayed an adaptation of its popular FLIRT platform for the harsh climate of northern Norway. The eight-car “Flirt Nordic Express” is equipped with reinforced insulation, heavy-duty snow-clearing gear and sealed technical compartments that can operate reliably at temperatures well below –20 °C. With a top speed of 200 km/h, the set promises swift inter-city connections across the fjord-lined landscape, while interior modules switch between daytime lounge areas and nighttime sleeper compartments, complete with a bistro module for long trips.
This variant underscores Stadler’s modular approach: the same core technology that powers a 1 500-km cross-border diesel-free locomotive can be re-engineered for high-speed, cold-weather service. Operators benefit from a common spare-parts ecosystem, reduced training overhead and the ability to scale capacity according to regional demand. In Norway’s case, the design also addresses future electrification plans, allowing a seamless transition to full electric operation should overhead lines be installed later.
