České dráhy Secures CZK 4B Eurofima Loan for 94 Trains

Prague, Czech Republic – České dráhy secured CZK 4 billion (EUR 161 million) in nine-year financing from Eurofima to purchase 94 regional trains. The first tranche was disbursed on 20 July 2026 under a framework agreement signed in June 2024. The fleet includes 84 Pesa RegioFox diesel multiple units and 10 Škoda RegioPanter battery-electric multiple units.

How Is the Funding Structured?

The CZK 4 billion facility is a nine-year loan from Eurofima to České dráhy, with a first tranche disbursed on 20 July 2026 under a June 2024 framework agreement. The loan will finance 84 two-car RegioFox diesel multiple units from Pesa and 10 RegioPanter battery-electric multiple units from Škoda Group. The RegioPanter BEMUs can operate under 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC electrified networks, use lithium-titanate oxide batteries, and offer up to 80 km of battery range. The loan margin, interest rate, and per-unit cost were not disclosed.

Note: Independent verification of the interest rate and per-unit pricing was not available at time of publication.

Key Funding Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Funding Programs?

The CZK 4 billion Eurofima loan is smaller than the Czech Republic’s planned 2025 service infrastructure investment of over EUR 480 million, but it is earmarked for rolling stock rather than depot and maintenance upgrades (Source: RailwayPRO, 2025). Pesa, the supplier of the 84 RegioFox DMUs, increased its 2024 revenue by 33% to USD 670 million, indicating strong demand for regional diesel multiple units alongside battery-electric orders (Source: Railway Supply, 2024). Eurofima has also expanded its financing scope beyond train fleets to trams and metros, broadening its role in European rolling stock funding (Source: RailwayPRO, 2024). Comparable Eurofima loan margins for similar Central European rolling stock packages were not publicly available at time of publication.

Editor’s Analysis

The mixture of 84 diesel and 10 battery-electric units reflects the Czech network’s still-uneven electrification: battery traction covers 80 km off-wire, but diesel remains the main solution for non-electrified regional routes. Pesa’s 33% revenue increase in 2024 suggests that manufacturers with diesel and battery-electric portfolios are capturing orders while infrastructure gaps persist. ČD’s use of a nine-year Eurofima loan, rather than grant-only funding, aligns with its stated aim to secure funds for new public rail transport contracts through improved financial discipline and a high credit rating (Source: RailwayPRO, 2025).

FAQ

Q: How many trains will České dráhy buy with the Eurofima loan?
A: The loan covers 94 regional trains: 84 Pesa RegioFox diesel multiple units and 10 Škoda RegioPanter battery-electric multiple units.

Q: What is the battery range of the RegioPanter BEMUs?
A: The RegioPanter BEMUs offer up to 80 km of battery range on lithium-titanate oxide batteries and recharge while running on 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC electrified sections.

Q: When will the new trains enter service?
A: The RegioPanter BEMUs will enter service in the Moravian-Silesian Region, but a full fleet delivery date has not been officially confirmed.