Stadler unveiled the prototype of the new RS ZERO yesterday (August 29th 2024), the innovative successor to the successful RS1 Regio-Shuttle. The Regio-Shuttle has been one of the most popular vehicles in German regional rail transport for 28 years, with around 500 RS1 vehicles currently in operation in Germany and the Czech Republic. Stadler is building on this proven technology and integrating state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly drive systems. The RS ZERO is optionally available with a hydrogen and/or battery drive and thus not only sets new standards for environmentally friendly rail transport, but also presents a world first.
A symbol of progress
The RS ZERO stands for continuity and innovation. Stadler is continuing the success story of the RS1 and at the same time meeting the challenges of the present with the new, sustainable powertrains. The RS ZERO retains the characteristic trapezoidal window strips of the RS1 and blends into the futuristic design with a modern LED wing.
“The Regio-Shuttle RS1 is an important part of Stadler’s history. We delivered the last vehicle to a customer 11 years ago. Now I am delighted that we start a new chapter in this success story with the RS ZERO which enables us to further expand our technological leadership in the field of alternative drive technologies,” says Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Stadler Group.
A summary of the development and creation of the RS ZERO can be found here:
Technological openness and sustainability
In Germany, 38 per cent of railway lines are not electrified, in Europe the figure is as high as 43 per cent. The transport transition also aims to shift significantly more traffic to rail – to achieve this, old and non-electrified lines need to be reactivated in Germany and Europe. With its battery and hydrogen drives, the RS ZERO offers a solution for locally CO2 emission-free operation on these routes. It makes no difference whether they are electrified or require hydrogen refuelling stations or charging islands. Each vehicle can be adapted to the respective conditions of the rail network. Thanks to its lightweight design and an axle load of less than 18 tonnes, it is ideally suited to creating an economically attractive transport service even on secondary routes with low traffic density.
“With the RS ZERO prototype we are very proud to build the next vehicle with alternative drive technology at the Berlin site after the battery-electric FLIRT Akku,” explains Jure Mikolčić, CEO of Stadler Germany. “Thanks to our technological openness, we can always offer our customers the right vehicle and make an important contribution to the transport transition.”
Comfort and flexibility
The RS ZERO is available as a single and double unit and offers seating for 70 to 150 passengers. It is characterised by its low entry height, spacious and step-free low-floor area and barrier-free use, which is particularly advantageous for passengers with limited mobility.
“Our aim was to develop a particularly lightweight vehicle that enables emission-free operation on secondary routes,” emphasises Dr Ansgar Brockmeyer, Executive Vice President Marketing & Sales of the Stadler Group. “With the RS ZERO, we are offering our customers a train that combines efficiency with maximum comfort and provides the best possible accessibility for all passengers.”
The prototype of the RS ZERO presented today in Berlin is a one-car vehicle with hydrogen drive. Stadler is demonstrating the numerous design options with a multi-purpose area equipped for carrying bicycles, pushchairs and bulky luggage, lounge and comfort zones, standard and privacy seats, a wheelchair space, WC and a train office.
Special emphasis was placed on the use of sustainable materials for the interior fit-out of the prototype. For example, the flooring is made from around 98 per cent renewable raw materials and is free from synthetic rubber and plasticisers. The side wall panelling was made from recycled materials, including PET bottles, and the built-in air conditioning system works with a very climate-friendly refrigerant.
Ein VT 650 der DB Regio – es wurden über 500 RS1 gebaut, die langsam in die Jahren gekommen sind und ersetzt werden müssen I ©
DB AG/ Uwe MietheOutlook
The RS ZERO marks the beginning of a new era in regional rail transport. Stadler is accompanying the transport companies into a CO2-neutral future and offering a sustainable solution for local passenger transport. The RS ZERO is ready to take passengers to their destinations safely, comfortably and in an environmentally friendly manner.
The RS ZERO prototype will be on show for the first time at InnoTrans 2024 from 24 to 27 September in Berlin on track T09/40. The vehicle presentation will take place on 24 September 2024 at 14:00.
30.08.2024
