ODEG was awarded the contract for the "Westmecklenburg II" transport contract back in December 2024. The company has ordered 14 FLIRT Akku battery-powered multiple units from Stadler, which will operate emission-free on non-electrified lines. They are specifically planned for use on lines RB13 (Rehna – Schwerin – Parchim), RB14 (Hagenow Stadt – Ludwigslust – Parchim), RB15 (Waren (Müritz) – Inselstadt Malchow – Plau am See, seasonal) and RB19 (Parchim – Plau am See, seasonal).

The special trip did not mark the start of operations, but rather a symbolic kick-off for the coming change. A FLIRT Akku train on loan from the Schleswig-Holstein local transport association NAH.SH was used – the same type of vehicle that will also be used by ODEG.

The new FLIRT Akku trains offer:

• Local emission-free operation thanks to battery technology

• 98 seats, spacious multi-purpose areas and barrier-free design

• Wi-Fi and a modern passenger information system

• Operation under overhead lines with battery charging and purely battery-based travel on non-electrified sections

• Exterior design in the state colours of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

The vehicles are currently being developed and built by Stadler. In future, they will be maintained at the expanded ODIG workshop in Parchim.

"Today's journey shows what is possible – and what will soon become reality," says Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Division Germany. "The FLIRT Akku represents a new generation of climate-friendly mobility, and we are delighted to be embarking on this journey together with ODEG."

"In West Mecklenburg, we are committed to modern, environmentally friendly mobility – quiet, comfortable and suitable for everyday use by our passengers. The FLIRT Akku vehicle concept offered by Stadler has convinced us and will help us to achieve this goal in the best possible way," says Stefan Neubert, Managing Director of ODEG.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) as part of the "Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives in Rail Transport". Funding for this measure is also provided under the German Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP) through the European Recovery and Resilience Facility (ARF) in the NextGenerationEU programme. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich (PtJ).

With the FLIRT Akku, Stadler is putting the future on rails – quietly, efficiently and sustainably.