Škoda CityElefant

In the early nineties, MSV Studénka started to develop a modern double-deck electric multiple unit for commuter traffic. Originally AEG assisted in the development of the electrics, but later Škoda took over. Each set consists of a class 471 power car, a class 071 trailer and a class 971 control car. They were modern for the nineties, using three-phase AC traction motors and sandwich-structured materials. The first two prototypes were delivered in 1997, 81 more sets were delivered to the ČD between 2001 and 2013.

Following a re-design for the trains built after 2006, they are known as “CityElefant”. They can only operate under 3 kV DC, but more and more lines are being converted to 25 kV AC. Since the equipment needed for operation under AC would require building of a second trailer, ČD chose to relocate the trains to other lines which are still being operated under DC. In the future this will also affect their main area of operation around Prague.

Between 2008 and 2010, the Lithuanian LG received 15 sets which are designated class 575. They were built for Russian broad gauge and equipped for operation only under 25 kV AC. Between 2010 and 2014, the Slovak ZSSK got ten sets which are designated class 671 and which were built for both DC and AC operation from the start. Another variant for broad gauge are two six-car sets built in 2012 for the Ukrainian UZ which are designated EJ 675 and can also operate under both power systems.