Metra Orders Eight Stadler Battery Trains In Chicago

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES – Metra gave the public a preview of its upcoming battery-electric trainset at LaSalle Street Station this week ahead of a scheduled 2028 commercial debut. The commuter agency is procuring eight four-car zero-emission trainsets from Utah-based manufacturer Stadler U.S., with options to acquire eight additional units. Operations will center on the 16.4-mile Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line following roughly one year of integrated testing.

What Are the Technical Specifications?

Stadler U.S. is manufacturing eight four-car battery-electric multiple units (BEMUs) based on its FLIRT platform for non-electrified commuter service. The trainsets rely on onboard lithium-ion traction batteries housed within specialized power modules, allowing full electric propulsion without the capital cost of overhead catenary or third-rail electrical infrastructure. Each four-car trainset will provide bi-directional, zero-emission service on the 16.4-mile route between LaSalle Street Station in Chicago and suburban Blue Island. The contract structure includes an initial delivery of eight base trainsets alongside options for eight more, though the total purchase price was not disclosed by Metra or Stadler U.S. Dynamic track testing will occupy the fleet throughout 2027 prior to passenger revenue service in 2028.

Key Technical Data

Where Does This Technology Stand in the Market?

Battery-electric passenger trainsets represent a fast-growing decarbonisation option for commuter rail operators seeking clean propulsion without constructing electrical catenary networks. Metra’s procurement represents the first commercial application of battery-electric multiple units for revenue commuter rail service in North America. In European commuter networks where battery operations are already established, competing equipment manufacturers offer differing performance profiles. Competitor Siemens Mobility offers the Mireo Plus B with an operational battery autonomy of 80 to 120 km at a maximum speed of 140 km/h (Source: Siemens Mobility, 2023) vs Stadler’s FLIRT Akku platform, which set an official world record for battery-only distance of 224 km under controlled testing (Source: Stadler Rail, 2021). Similarly, Competitor Alstom offers the Coradia Continental BEMU providing up to 120 km of operational battery range and a top speed of 160 km/h (Source: Alstom, 2024) vs Stadler’s North American FLIRT variant, which has been configured to meet domestic station accessibility regulations and suburban acceleration requirements along Metra’s stop-dense 16.4-mile corridor.

Note: Independent verification of the total contract dollar value was not available at time of publication.

Editor’s Analysis

Metra’s adoption of off-wire battery traction highlights an emerging capital-avoidance strategy for established North American commuter operators facing massive catenary installation estimates. Deploying zero-emission multiple units on isolated corridors like the 16.4-mile Beverly Branch allows transit boards to convert slow diesel push-pull schedules into frequent, all-day regional services. This strategy mirrors broader capital allocation patterns where regional operators invest in alternative rolling stock to modernize aging transit assets while avoiding track-wide civil electrification works (Source: High-Speed Rail Infrastructure Market Report, 2025).

FAQ

Q: When will the battery-powered Metra trainsets enter regular passenger service?
A: Metra plans to introduce the trainsets to revenue operations in 2028 following an estimated 12 months of safety and operational track testing that begins in 2027. Initial operations will be confined to the 16.4-mile Beverly Branch between LaSalle Street and Blue Island.

Q: How much did Metra pay for the Stadler battery-electric trainsets?
A: The contract price for the eight base units and the eight optional sets was not disclosed by Metra or Stadler U.S. Independent financial documentation regarding federal capital grant support for the contract has not been published.

Q: What route will these zero-emission trains run on?
A: The trainsets will run exclusively on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line, linking Chicago’s LaSalle Street Station with suburban Blue Island. The four-car electric units will replace legacy diesel locomotives to reduce emissions and noise in adjacent city neighborhoods.