Škoda Group: BEMU, Digital Rail Solutions for EU Sustainable Transport

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Introduction

At the Railway Days 2025 conference in Bucharest, Vlad Măcelaru, Business Development Manager for Škoda Group, discussed the company’s contributions to sustainable transport, focusing on energy-efficient rolling stock, digitalisation, and predictive maintenance to support Europe’s green transition.

Škoda Group’s European Presence

Under the theme “Technology for a Changing World,” Măcelaru highlighted Škoda Group’s position as a European leader in passenger rolling stock. The company operates in more than 20 countries and employs over 8,000 people across sites in Plzeň, Ostrava, Prague, Budapest, and Tampere.

Rolling Stock Portfolio

The group’s portfolio includes electric and hybrid multiple units, trams, metro systems, trolleybuses, and smart service solutions designed for interoperability and low life-cycle costs.

Battery-Electric and Hybrid Multiple Units

Măcelaru emphasised Škoda’s innovation in battery-electric multiple units (BEMU) and battery-diesel hybrid multiple units (BeDMU), which allow operators to combine zero-emission performance on electrified routes with autonomous operation on non-electrified sections. Škoda’s BEMU platform, developed in collaboration with European operators, offers ranges of up to 120 kilometres in battery mode, rapid recharging, and flexible modular design. The group’s hybrid multiple-unit projects are already in operation in several EU markets, with ongoing tenders in the Czech Republic, Germany and Finland, and upcoming opportunities in Romania as regional authorities prepare new procurement rounds under the Transport Programme 2021–2027.

Digital Maintenance and Data-Driven Asset Management

Škoda Group is also investing heavily in digital maintenance and data-driven asset management, an area Măcelaru described as key to reducing costs and increasing reliability. The company’s Smart Depot solution integrates sensors, diagnostics, and AI-based forecasting tools to automate inspection, optimise spare parts use, and extend maintenance intervals. “Digitalisation allows operators to plan maintenance based on actual condition, not fixed schedules,” he said. “It’s a major step toward making rail more efficient, predictable, and passenger-friendly.”

Conclusion

Măcelaru reaffirmed Škoda Group’s long-term commitment to the region, stating the company is ready to support the transition to sustainable transport with technology, experience, and innovation.

Company Summary

Škoda Group: Operates in more than 20 countries with over 8,000 employees across sites in Plzeň, Ostrava, Prague, Budapest, and Tampere.

Technology

BEMU (battery-electric multiple units): Offers ranges of up to 120 kilometres in battery mode, rapid recharging, and flexible modular design.

BeDMU (battery-diesel hybrid multiple units): Allows operators to combine zero-emission performance on electrified routes with autonomous operation on non-electrified sections.

Smart Depot: Integrates sensors, diagnostics, and AI-based forecasting tools to automate inspection, optimise spare parts use, and extend maintenance intervals.

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