The first Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains from Siemens Mobility are entering passenger service. The trains have received authorization in time for their introduction into passenger service in Bavaria and Berlin-Brandenburg.
Siemens Mobility announced today that the first Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains have received authorization for passenger operation in time for the scheduled timetable change on December 15, 2024, and are ready to inaugurate passenger service. Their approval marks another significant milestone for emission-free mobility in the Berlin-Brandenburg and Bavarian regions, where hydrogen-powered trains will be used for the first time.
“We offer electric, battery, and hydrogen trains based on the ultra-modern Mireo platform and have completed the development of our innovative and environmentally friendly Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains right on schedule. The first of these trains will now be entering passenger service and we are delighted to be a driving force behind the phasing out of diesel trains. This transition will reduce CO2 emissions and provide passengers in Germany with climate-friendly, powerful, and comfortable trains,” said Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility.
Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn Betriebsgesellschaft will operate seven Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains on the Heidekrautbahn line in Berlin-Brandenburg. These trains will save 1.1 million liters of diesel fuel per year and reduce CO2 emissions by 3,000 tons. Locally produced hydrogen will be used in the trains’ fuel cells, and water vapor will be the only emitted by-product. In addition, recovered braking energy will be used to further increase the trains’ energy efficiency.
The Mireo Plus H, named “Freistaat Bayern”, will replace diesel trains at Bayrische Regiobahn (BRB) for two and a half years as of Monday, December 16, 2024. Test operations will begin in stages, starting with selected runs in the East Allgäu-Lechfeld network. Operations will later be expanded and the train will then also run on the Ammersee-Altmühltal network. The new Mireo Plus H provides an environmentally friendly, quiet and efficient alternative to diesel propulsion, which is scheduled to be fully phased out in Bavaria’s regional rail system by 2040.
The train has a long operating range of up to 1,200 kilometers, is powered by an H2 traction system with a high drive power of 1.7 MW for accelerating up to 1.1 m/s2, and has a top speed of 160 km/h. Employing state-of-the-art technology, the Mireo Plus H sets new standards in emission-free passenger transportation. We are especially pleased about this openness to new and innovative rail technology and that this climate-friendly and comfortable train will now be available to passengers in Bavaria and Berlin-Brandenburg.
Battery trains in the East Brandenburg network
In the state of Brandenburg, Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn Betriebsgesellschaft is launching a large fleet of Mireo Plus B battery trains on its East Brandenburg network. The 31 battery trains will enter service in phases by the summer of 2025. The two-car trainset has a range of more than 120 kilometers on batteries alone. Operation of the battery-electric Mireo Plus B trains will reduce consumption of diesel fuel by around 4.4 million liters a year on the East Brandenburg network. The new trains will completely eliminate local CO2 emissions and, depending on the electricity mix, reduce broader regional emissions by around 11,500 tons per year. At the same time, the trains will significantly reduce particulate emissions.
The new railcars are equipped with three doors on each side to ease access for passengers in wheelchairs or with strollers, also from lower station platforms. Each of the new trains will provide passengers with 127 seats and twelve spaces for bicycles, wheelchairs and strollers. Passengers will also have free WiFi service, a dynamic passenger information system, and a specially designated family area. In addition, around 60 power sockets and USB charging ports are conveniently distributed throughout the train.
New trains for the Danube-Isar network
In December 2020, Deutsche Bahn ordered 25 Desiro HC trains and six Mireo trains for service on the Danube-Isar network. The six Mireo trains were delivered in a 4-car configuration with 264 seats, including 14 seats in a first-class section, for the Airport Express operating from Nuremberg to Munich via Regensburg. All trains are equipped with duplex sliding steps to ease access for passengers with reduced mobility from different platform heights. In addition, an on-board lift enables wheelchair users to board and alight at low station platforms. A generous number of luggage racks makes it convenient for passengers to stow their baggage.
Some of the 25 four-car Desiro HC trains have already been operating on the Danube-Isar network since August 2024. Positive customer feedback shows a high level of satisfaction with the new double-decker trains. The trains have multi-purpose open areas equipped with innovative supports for bicycles. High-frequency window glass specially developed to substantially improve mobile reception and free WiFi service ensure seamless communication. Up to three Desiro HC trains can run coupled between Munich and Landshut to provide great flexibility in meeting capacity needs.
New Mireo trains for the Regensburg-Danube Valley network
In addition, 21 Mireo trains will inaugurate service for rail operator agilis on the Regensburg-Danube Valley network with the scheduled timetable change: They will run on RE line 50 (Nuremberg – Regensburg – Plattling) and RE line 51 (Neumarkt – Regensburg – Plattling). These trains will also be used for the Airport Express operating from Nuremberg to Munich.
The high-performance trains offer more seating capacity and modern equipment and features, including WiFi service and high-frequency window glass for optimal mobile reception. A total of 23 four-car Mireo trains will be delivered to rail operator agilis.
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