Deutsche Bahn selected Alstom and Siemens Mobility to work independently on the design of the future ICE generation fleet. DB will bring its expertise as the operator of one of the world’s largest high-speed fleets to the development of the new generation of trains.
Once the train concepts have been developed, DB will launch a further tender in the second half of 2023 for the development, construction and certification of the new fleet. The tender will be open to other manufacturers.
The new ICE trains will enter passenger service from the early 2030s replacing older ICE 3 trains which are operating from the 1990s and will expand the entire ICE fleet to meet future transport demand.
In addition to providing enhanced passenger comfort, the future ICE generation fleet is also expected to set new standards in energy efficiency and technical availability.
Siemens Mobility says that “through the holistic approach of this partnership, the specific needs of the operator as well as passengers will be aligned with state-of-the-art technologies. This will help foster new ideas that make rail travel even more attractive, comfortable and convenient.”
Welcoming the news, Albrecht Neumann, the CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility said that being selected as one of two competing suppliers, it will give us the opportunity to continue our long-standing partnership with Deutsche Bahn. Even the form of cooperation is forward-looking: Rather than delivering a specific catalog of requirements, the most important features of the new generation of ICE trains will be developed in close cooperation with the customer.”
According to its plans, DB intends to double the number of passengers using long-distance rail transport services by 2030. To achieve this objective, the company is relying on single-deck trains that are a maximum of 400 meters long, have a seating capacity of around 950 passengers, and a top speed of at least 300 km/h.
Part of DB’s plans to provide increased comfort and capacity, DB has announced in September that will invest EUR 19 billion to acquire new rolling stock for passenger and freight transport.
At the beginning of 2022, DB and Siemens signed a contract for the supply of 43 Velaro MS high-speed trains (the ICE 3neo trains) and the first vehicle is expected to enter operation by the end of this year. In addition, DB will receive from Siemens Mobility 137 ICE4 trains in different configurations by the end of 2024 with the fourth train being handed over in July.
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