Stadler unveils battery-electric FLIRT train for Metra in Chicago

Stadler has unveiled its new battery-powered FLIRT train at the APTA EXPO in Chicago, specifically designed for Metra, Chicago’s regional rail provider. The model represents the first battery-operated member of the FLIRT family developed for U.S. operators.

The train utilizes lithium-titanate (LTO) battery packs, which support rapid charging and discharging. It features a 2 MW fast-charging system capable of completing a charge for a round trip in under 1.5 hours. The vehicle can also utilize 480V station infrastructure or overhead catenary lines, allowing it to operate on non-electrified routes.

Technical specifications include a maximum speed of 127 km/h (79 mph) and a lightweight aluminum body that meets U.S. Federal Railroad Administration crashworthiness standards. Metra has ordered eight train sets, each consisting of two passenger cars and a PowerPack unit. These trains are expected to enter passenger service by 2028. To handle extreme climates, the trains include a winterization package designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.