Liebherr supplies propane-based HVAC systems for Stadler's Nordic Express

Liebherr-Transportation Systems has been selected by Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler Rheintal AG to provide and service heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Delivery is planned to start in early 2025 and will last several years. The base order encompasses 34 cab units and 132 saloon HVAC units that will be installed on 17 Nordic Express trainsets. The NT FLIRT NEX trains represent a new series of long-distance trains based on Stadler’s FLIRT platform (Fast Light Innovative and Regional Train).

The HVAC system technology developed by Liebherr uses the refrigerant R290, i.e. propane. With a global warming potential (GWP) of three it is a more climate-friendly alternative in comparison to conventional chemical refrigerants. The units are manufactured at Liebherr-Transportation Systems Marica EOOD in Tsaratsovo/Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Liebherr’s center of excellence for HVAC systems manufacturing.

When it comes to customer service, the system can be serviced as usual, taking into account coolant-specific safety measures. Rail vehicle operators benefit from a reliable HVAC solution with minimal down time. “We are very happy and thank our customer Stadler for the trust placed in us,” said Roland Friedrich, Deputy General Manager/Business Management Liebherr-Transportation Systems Mannheim GmbH and Key Account Manager for Stadler Rail Group at Liebherr. “Propane is an efficient and ecofriendly refrigerant and our HVAC systems as well as our service concepts take all necessary safety requirements into account. We therefore offer a reliable in-service solution for more sustainable mobility.”