Metra Will Unveil Electric Trainset on October 5
The rail agency will showcase its new battery-powered technology at a Chicago transit conference.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Metra is set to unveil its first battery-electric trainset on October 5, 2026, during the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform conference in Chicago. This move marks the agency's effort to integrate advanced technology into its regional rail network.
Why it matters
The order reflects a broader commitment to adopting cleaner power and quieter rail operations within Chicago. The technology aims to modernize transit infrastructure while reducing the environmental impact of regional commuter service.
Metra ordered eight FLIRT trainsets from Stadler, which are capable of recharging via 480-volt cables. The trains are expected to operate on the 16.4-mile Beverly Branch, which runs through Chicago.
The players
Metra
This is the commuter rail agency that provides service throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
Stadler
This is a Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer known for producing a wide range of locomotives and trainsets.
The details
The new trainsets, which first entered operation in Germany in 2023, utilize regenerative braking and external charging to maintain power. They are expected to begin full passenger service by 2028, with initial deployment likely occurring on the Rock Island District's Beverly Branch.
Timeline
Battery-electric trainsets made their debut in Germany in 2023.
Metra signed a deal with Stadler for the trainsets on Feb. 21, 2024.
The APTA TRANSform conference and Expo in Chicago runs from Oct. 4-7, 2026.
The first battery-electric trainset will be unveiled on Oct. 5, 2026.
The new trainsets are expected to enter passenger service by 2028.
Roadmap
The introduction of the Stadler FLIRT battery-electric trainset follows a pattern set by previous global rail electrification efforts. This investment signals a transition away from traditional diesel reliance toward sustainable propulsion systems in urban commuter rail networks.
Commuters on the Beverly Branch can expect quieter, cleaner travel once the trainsets enter service. While there are no immediate changes to ticket pricing or schedules, this represents the long-term direction of regional rail maintenance and operations.
The takeaway
The arrival of these trainsets highlights the slow but steady shift toward electrified regional transit systems. Residents can anticipate that modern, low-emission rail travel will play a larger role in their daily commutes by the end of the decade.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Electric Vehicles.
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