Siemens’ first battery-powered electric train, the Mireo Plus B, entered commercial service yesterday in the Baden-Württemberg German region. This is an important milestone in the German manufacturer’s efforts to offer zero-emission trains for non-electrified lines.
The trains are the first 27-unit order placed in March 2020 by SFBW, the state-owned railway equipment leasing agency, for the state-owned operator SWEG. The first of these was presented in Berlin during innoTrans 2022.
Siemens’ Mireo Plus B, 120 kilometres of range in battery mode
Each unit consists of two cars with a capacity of 120 seats and a maximum speed of 160 km/h. The trains are air-conditioned and have a 100% accessible toilet.
They are dual or bimodal, running using the pantograph or the battery. In this mode, they have a real autonomy of 120 km, sufficient to operate on the Ortenau network of the German state. They are replacing the 650-series Regio-Shuttle RS1 railcars manufactured by Stadler.
Since yesterday, they have been operating on the Offenburg-Bad Griesbach and Offenburg-Hornberg lines. As more Mireo Plus B units are delivered to SWEG, they will be extended to other lines in the network.
The inaugural event was celebrated with a round trip between Offenburg and Oberkirch, presided over by Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport of Baden-Württemberg.
“A new chapter in railway history”
During the inauguration, Herrmann emphasised, “We are writing a new chapter in railway history with this opening trip. Thanks to the battery hybrid drive of the Mireo Plus B, trains operating in the Ortenau region as of today are more climate-friendly than those using diesel. Baden-Württemberg is a pioneer with innovative train technology. All trains should be climate-friendly. We are relying on alternative, climate-friendly solutions wherever there are still no overhead power lines”.
SWEG CEO Tobias Harms said: “SWEG not only stands for quality, but also for innovation. We are especially pleased to now be able to make these innovative trains available to our passengers and will be demonstrating our role as a reliable partner to both the state of Baden-Württemberg and Siemens Mobility”.
Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said: “We are proud that our first fleet of Mireo Plus B battery trains is now going into passenger service. We would like to thank the state of Baden-Württemberg and SWEG for their trust and confidence in our innovative and environmentally friendly technology. By expanding rail transport, we can make an active contribution to climate protection. The introduction of these highly advanced trains, which can operate up to 120 kilometers on battery power, marks an important step towards a sustainable future.”
