The first battery-powered narrow-gauge electric train developed by Stadler for Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) was presented at EXPO Ferroviaria in Milan on 1 October 2025.
The €63 million procurement was awarded to Stadler via a European tender procedure. All trains are being built at Stadler’s Bussnang facility in Switzerland.
FAL plans to replace diesel traction on the line with the new battery-powered units, targeting a reported reduction of over 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. The trains are equipped with high-capacity batteries located above the powered bogies. These provide short charging times and allow for autonomous operation on the non-electrified narrow-gauge line.
Each train is fitted with interior LED lighting, recycled-material seat upholstery, and space for e-bikes. Low-floor boarding and panoramic windows are also included. The trains will operate under the FAL’s “TREEN” brand, which was registered as part of the operator’s wider environmental initiative.
The Altamura–Matera corridor currently lacks overhead electrification. The deployment of battery-powered units allows FAL to avoid infrastructure upgrades while introducing lower-emission rolling stock. All seven trains are expected to be delivered and enter service by the end of 2026.
