CAF Civity Trains: 2026 Construction Update & Route Map

Sweden’s railway network modernizes with CAF Civity regional trains; major contracts awarded to boost regional travel.

CAF Civity Trains: 2026 Construction Update & Route Map
July 21, 2022 6:44 am
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Project Profile: Modernising Sweden’s Regional Rail with the CAF Civity Fleet

This project profile details the large-scale procurement and deployment of CAF’s Civity Nordic rolling stock platform across Sweden’s regional rail network. The acquisition by operators SJ AB and AB Transitio, valued at over €550 million, aims to enhance operational flexibility, climate resilience, and passenger capacity with a fleet of advanced Electric and Bi-Mode Multiple Units scheduled to begin service in 2026.

AttributeDetails
Project NameSwedish Regional Rail Fleet Modernisation
LocationSweden (serving Jönköping, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Blekinge and SJ’s national network)
Rolling StockCAF Civity Nordic (Electric Multiple Units & Bi-Mode Multiple Units)
Maximum Design Speed200 km/h (Initial operational speed up to 160 km/h)
Estimated Project Value> €550 Million (combined initial contracts)
Project Status (Nov 2025)Rolling Stock in Production / Pre-deployment Testing
Key StakeholdersCAF (Manufacturer), SJ AB (Operator), AB Transitio (Operator)

Technical Specifications

The core of this project is the deployment of CAF’s highly adaptable Civity rolling stock platform, specifically the Civity Nordic variant. This model is engineered to operate reliably in extreme climatic conditions, with a functional temperature range from -40°C to +40°C. The fleet for Sweden includes both Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) and Bi-Mode Multiple Units (BMUs). The BMUs incorporate a ‘power car’ with a diesel engine, enabling seamless operation on both electrified main lines and non-electrified regional branches without requiring passengers to change trains. This dual-power capability is critical for maintaining network connectivity in diverse regions.

The trains feature a modular design, allowing for configurations from three to five cars to match passenger demand. With a maximum power output of 4,400 kW at the wheel rim, they are capable of speeds up to 200 km/h, though they will initially operate at 160 km/h. The platform is fully compliant with European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs), particularly for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), ensuring level boarding and comprehensive accessibility. Interior layouts are customizable to accommodate a mix of seating, luggage storage, and bicycle racks, meeting the varied needs of regional commuters.

Key Takeaways

  • Climate Resilience Engineering: The Civity Nordic platform is purpose-built for the harsh Scandinavian climate, featuring enhanced insulation and robust systems to ensure high operational availability during severe winter and summer conditions.
  • Enhanced Operational Flexibility: By procuring a mixed fleet of EMUs and Bi-Mode units, Swedish operators can optimise service patterns across a network with varying levels of electrification, improving efficiency and service reliability.
  • Strategic Fleet Modernisation: This investment represents a significant upgrade of Sweden’s regional rail assets, replacing older stock to increase passenger capacity, improve energy efficiency, and align with national goals for sustainable transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the new CAF Civity trains start service in Sweden?

The first new CAF Civity trains, part of the SJ AB order, are scheduled to enter passenger service in 2026. This will initiate a phased rollout to modernise Sweden’s regional rail fleet and improve services across multiple counties.

Who is building the new regional trains for Sweden?

The new Civity Nordic regional trains are being manufactured by the Spanish company CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles). CAF secured significant contracts from Swedish state-owned operator SJ AB and regional transport authority AB Transitio to supply the new fleet.