Škoda 21Ev

Škoda 21Ev
Škoda 21Ev electric multiple unit operated by Elron
Škoda 21Ev EMU near a depot
Stock typeElectric multiple unit
In service2025–
ManufacturerŠkoda Vagonka A.S
AssemblyOstrava, Czech Republic
Constructed2020–2026
Entered service2025
Number built16
Capacity240 (262 on commuter trains)
OperatorEesti Liinirongid (Elron)
DepotPääsküla depot
Line servedTallinn-Tapa (Tallinn-Tapa-Tartu soon)
Specifications
Train length83,180 millimetres (272.90 ft)
Width3,430 millimetres (11.25 ft)
Height4,560 millimetres (14.96 ft)
Doors2 per end car, 4 on middle car
Maximum speed160 kilometres per hour (99 mph)
Weight157.7 tonnes (348,000 lb)
Engine typeElectric
Tractive effort2,200kW
Electric systems3kV DC & 25kV AC, overhead line
Current collectionPantograph
Safety systemETCS
Coupling systemScharfenberg coupler
Track gauge1,520 mm (4 ft 11+27⁄32 in)

The Škoda 21Ev is a dual-system electric multiple unit (EMU) passenger train made by Škoda Vagonka A.S for the Estonian national rail operator Elron,[1] which can drive on electrified tracks equipped with both 3kV DC and 25kV AC overhead electric lines. The Škoda 21Ev is part of Škoda's RegioPanter family of trains.[2]

Estonia's neighboring Baltic state Latvia also operates a train of the same class, called Škoda 16Ev operated by Vivi,[3] a Latvian rail operator. Functionally, it is the same as Estonia's Škoda 21Ev with minor differences like seating arrangement and appearance.

The trains were produced by a Czech company Škoda Vagonka A.S who had won Elron's procurement contract in 2020. In total, 16 trains were produced for the rail operator, of which 11 are long-distance trains and 5 are commuter trains.[4] The first trains arrived in June of 2024, after which also began their test driving to ensure they are fit for passenger service.[5]

The trains feature air-conditioning, pram and disabled areas (wheelchair), a food and hot drinks area (exclusively on the long-distance trains), a wheelchair-accessible toilet, free Wi-Fi meant for use in second class seating & first class Wi-Fi meant for travelers with booked seats.[6]

Usage in Estonia

The first trains put into service were the commuter trains which, at first, served only the Tallinn-Kloogaranna line in late 2025.[7] In January 2026, the Tallinn-Tapa line was also opened for the new Škoda trains.[8][9] The entire Tallinn-Tartu line will be opened for the new trains when Eesti Raudtee (Estonian Railway) finishes electrifying and upgrading rail infrastructure.[10]

Originally, this project should've finished in December of 2024, however it has been delayed and is expected to finish earliest in the summer of 2028, according to Eesti Raudtee (Estonian Railway) - the national company responsible for managing rail infrastructure in Estonia - and Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) - state broadcaster of Estonia.[11][12]

This electric multiple unit uses overhead lines to power its electric motors which have a combined power of 2,200kW.[13] At the moment, the EMU is limited to 120 kilometres per hour (75 mph) on Estonian railways since the rail network is not ready for higher speeds. The government was interested in raising speeds to 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph) since 2012.[14]

Technical specifications

  • Seats: 240 (long-distance trains)[15][13], 262 (commuter trains)[16]
  • Gross weight: 157,7 tons[13]
  • Length: 83,2 meters[17][13]
  • Width: 3,43 meters[18][13]
  • Cars per train: 3[13]
  • Height: 4,56 meters[13]
  • Compatible voltages: 25kV AC & 3kV DC[13]
  • Maximum speed: 160km/h[19]
  • Combined power: 2,200kW[13]
  • Safety systems: ETCS[20]

Miscellaneous specifications

  • Axle arrangement: 2'Bo + 2'2'+B'o2[13]
  • Places for wheelchairs: 2[13]
  • Bicycle holders: 15[13]

Additionally, it is noted in official documents that the trains' bicycle holders can be replaced with regular seats during the winter.[13]

References

  1. ↑ "Uued rongid ehitab Elronile Škoda". Majandus (in Estonian). 2020-10-29. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  2. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "Škoda Group presents new electric train for Estonia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  3. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "First electric units Škoda 16Ev start regular operation in Latvia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  4. ↑ "Uued rongid ehitab Škoda | Elron". elron.ee (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  5. ↑ "FOTOD JA VIDEO ⟩ Elroni uus rong alustas katsesõite Eesti raudteedel". Postimees (in Estonian). 2024-07-23. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  6. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "Electric Multiple Unit Estonia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  7. ↑ "Elron alustas uute Škoda rongide liinile viimist". Logistikauudised (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  8. ↑ "Avati Tallinn–Tapa rongiliin | Elron". elron.ee (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  9. ↑ Koovit, Joanna (2026-01-04). "Tallinn – Tapa rongiliin teeb avasõidu". GoodNews (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  10. ↑ "Algavad uue Škoda rongi tüübikatsetused Eesti raudteedel | Elron". elron.ee (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  11. ↑ "Projektid". Eesti Raudtee (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  12. ↑ ERR, Mart Linnart | (2019-11-04). "Riik kavatseb raudteevõrgu elektrifitseerida aastaks 2028". ERR (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Product-Sheet-Estonia" (PDF). Škoda Group.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. ↑ ERR (2020-12-15). "Riigikontroll: raudtee kiiruse tõstmine 160 kilomeetrini tunnis pole kavas". ERR (in Estonian). Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  15. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "Electric Multiple Unit Estonia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  16. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "Electric Multiple Unit Estonia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  17. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "Electric Multiple Unit Estonia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  18. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "Electric Multiple Unit Estonia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  19. ↑ Disruptive, Brainz. "Electric Multiple Unit Estonia". Škoda Group. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
  20. ↑ BATRAK, OLEKSANDR (2024-07-31). "Estonia Tests New Skoda 21Ev Electric Trains: What You Need to Know?". Railway Supply. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
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