German manufacturer Siemens Mobility has received an order worth more than €2 billion from Lower Saxony’s transport authority (LNVG) and the Braunschweig regional association (RGB) to supply 113 Mireo Plus B dual-mode battery-electric regional trains. It is the largest order for battery trains in railway history.
The contract includes a full maintenance package for 30 years, the construction of two maintenance centres and options for up to 132 additional trains.
Of the 113 three-car trains, 83 will be for LNVG and 30 for RGB. Entry into passenger service is scheduled from the end of 2031.
Trains for partially electrified lines
Each train, based on the Mireo Plus B platform, will reach 160 km/h and will be able to operate without overhead catenary on non-electrified sections. The batteries are recharged while running under catenary, allowing diesel trains to be replaced on networks with partial electrification. The manufacture of the vehicles is valued at approximately €1.1 billion.
Each train will offer more than 170 seats — including at least six first-class seats — two wheelchair spaces, doors level with most platforms, Wi-Fi and space for at least six bicycles, expandable to 18.
Maintenance and local employment
The contract provides for comprehensive maintenance through the Railigent X digital platform, with condition-based maintenance, asset management, spare parts and operational support throughout the life cycle. Siemens has committed to contributing to availability of close to 100%.
The two new maintenance centres will combine daily servicing, inspections and centralised heavy maintenance. The project is expected to create up to 100 skilled jobs in Lower Saxony.
Mireo Plus B, Siemens’s battery train bet
The German manufacturer unveiled this battery-electric train platform in September 2022. Alongside the hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H, they are the two zero-emission solutions Siemens offers for non-electrified lines.
These trains can be dual-mode or bimodal, drawing power from both the catenary and batteries. Electrified sections also serve to recharge the batteries, as with the 113 trains ordered by LNVG and RGB. The range in battery mode, according to the manufacturer’s 2022 announcement, is 80 km.