Ferrovie Appulo Lucane > Comunicati Stampa > ITALY’S FIRST BATTERY-POWERED TRAIN BY FERROVIE APPULO LUCANE AT EXPOFERROVIARIA 2025. SALVINI: THIS IS TRUE GREEN

ITALY’S FIRST BATTERY-POWERED TRAIN BY FERROVIE APPULO LUCANE AT EXPOFERROVIARIA 2025. SALVINI: THIS IS TRUE GREEN

Pubblicato il 30/09/2025

“In Italy, we fund those who truly look ahead; we create jobs and wealth through sound investments. The Altamura–Matera train, which will enter service in 2026 and reduce CO2 emissions, is true green. For me, having first seen it, two years ago, as a designed model, then boarding it now, and traveling on it from next year, is a great thrill.” This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, during his visit at Expoferroviaria 2025 in Milan to Italy’s first narrow-gauge train powered exclusively by batteries, produced by the Swiss company Stadler for Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, the transport company owned by the MIT, which manages connections between Apulia and Basilicata. “We conceived it 2 years ago and now we have delivered it, meeting deadlines and commitments,” said Stefano Di Bello, General Manager of Ferrovie Appulo Lucane. “In 2023, again here at Expoferroviaria, Minister Salvini presented what was then only the bold, forward-looking TREEN (the green train) project, expressing the wish to take the first trip on the train; today we are standing before the first of 7 trainsets that, by the end of 2026, will be in service on the Altamura–Matera line.” From the moment the trains physically arrive on FAL tracks, 18 months will be required for the necessary technical tests prior to commissioning and for the setup of the two charging stations at Matera Sud and Altamura. The project was born thanks to the synergy between Fal, the Ministry of Transport, the Basilicata Region, the Municipality of Matera, and the significant work carried out together with the previous General Manager of Fal, Matteo Colamussi, who strongly believed in this challenge with a strong green vocation.” The total investment amounts to 63 million euros, funded in part by the NRRP, in part by the Complementary Fund to the NRRP, and in part by the PON-PAC 2014–2020. The construction of the trains was awarded by FAL to Stadler following an EU-relevant public tender procedure. “We thank Minister Salvini for his customary attention to our company,” added the Chairman of Ferrovie Appulo Lucane, Vittorio Zizza. “His presence rewards the work we are carrying out with the entire Board, management, and Fal’s workforce, as well as with the Basilicata Region and the Municipality of Matera, with the goal of decarbonizing rail service on the Altamura–Matera line.” Fal has for years been a company with a strong ‘green’ vocation. This is also why the livery we chose for TREEN (which, we recall, is a registered trademark) reflects the concept of sustainability and environmental stewardship. With this project, we have demonstrated our commitment to betting on eco-sustainable mobility, thanks also to the foresight of the MIT, the Region, and the Local Authorities, who have consistently encouraged and supported us in these bold and innovative investments.” Compared to deploying an equivalent number of diesel trainsets, the seven new battery vehicles will save a total of over 1,300 tons of CO2 per year, which corresponds to 650 flights from Zurich to Thailand. “The presentation of the first battery-powered ‘Treen’ train, which from the end of 2026 will connect Altamura with Matera, represents a significant milestone in the modernization of Lucanian infrastructure,” said the Deputy President and Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport of the Basilicata Region, Pasquale Pepe. “This achievement attests to the fruitful collaboration between the Region, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, led by Matteo Salvini, and FAL.” On decarbonization, there is a need to turn good intentions into concrete actions. In this case, there is an ongoing project that envisages, at full deployment, the use of seven battery electric multiple units for safe, efficient, and interconnected mobility serving the needs of citizens and the territory.” “This is the first narrow-gauge electric multiple unit powered entirely by batteries, in Italy and in Europe. A one hundred percent green solution that will change the future of sustainable mobility in Basilicata,” explained Maurizio Oberti, Sales Director for the Italian market at Stadler. “We are very proud to bring our innovative green technologies to the Italian market and thereby contribute to the eco-sustainability of the Municipality of Matera and the Basilicata Region.” We thank FAL for the excellent collaboration established within the scope of the project.” The theme of eco-sustainability is reflected in all the features and functionalities of the new trainsets: from innovative battery propulsion to the eco-friendly LED interior lighting system, updated to the latest energy standards; from seat coverings made with recycled materials to the green area for e-bikes. The batteries have high specific energy and allow short charging times and considerable operating range. Passengers will also benefit from comfortable, functional, and bright interiors, large panoramic windows, and a low-floor entrance that enables easy boarding for people with reduced mobility.

 

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