Czech Railways tests 100% biofuel in RegioFox trains

České dráhy (Czech Railways), in collaboration with the Central Bohemian Region, has launched a fourth phase of testing for alternative fuels. This new stage involves using 100% hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) in RegioFox diesel multiple units.

The testing is being conducted at the Rakovník depot using three specific PESA Bydgoszcz series 847 units. These trains are equipped with Rolls-Royce engines capable of utilizing biofuels. While previous phases focused on identifying suitable mixtures and testing blends with 15% or 30% biofuel content, this current phase marks the first time the units will operate solely on fuel derived from plant oils.

The project, which began in 2024, aims to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines in rail transport as a transitional measure alongside electrification and future battery-powered train deployments. Previous stages included legislative analysis and performance testing at the VUZ Velim Testing Center to compare fuel consumption and emissions against standard diesel.