The prototype of the EM 475.1 multiple unit was built in 1959 for suburban service around Prague under 3 kV DC. The builder was Vagonka Tatra Studénka, with the electric part coming from MEZ Vsetín. It was composed of four cars, of which the outer two were powered on all axles. It was one of the first multiple units with a low-floor section in the middle of each car for level entry from the platforms around Prague.
51 sets were produced between 1964 and 1968. Due to delays with the series production of the EM 488.0, eleven more were built in 1972 and 1973. These were designated EM 475.2. From 1988, they became classes 451 and 452. The last one was withdrawn in 2018.