Germany: A fleet of 4 two-car catenary-battery trains have entered service on several routes in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
The region ordered a total of 27 Mireo Plus B hybrid BEMUs, first unveiled at InnoTrans–2022.
According to the manufacturer, the Mireo Plus B with a range of 120 km in battery mode can operate at a maximum speed of 140 km/h, accommodating 120 passengers seated. Two battery containers are installed beneath the floor, holding lithium-ion batteries with a service life of 15 years. According to Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, the operating costs of the new hybrid trains are expected to be 25% lower in comparison with DMUs, and a fleet of 27 vehicles will slash consumption of diesel by 1.8 mln l per year.
The hybrid Siemens Mireo Plus B trains. Source: Siemens
It is worth noting that, in late March, a sum of €623 mln was allocated by the state government to two Lower Saxony transport authorities, RGB and LNVG, for the purchase of 70 catenary-battery trains.
