Siemens Mobility has completed the first test runs with its Mireo Plus H hydrogen-powered train in Bavaria, Germany. The two-car trainset will enter passenger service in mid-2024 on routes between Augsburg and Füssen and Augsburg and Peissenberg on the rail network of Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB).
The pilot operation of the train is planned for 30 months and is supported by the State of Bavaria. Siemens Mobility and Bavaria signed the corresponding development partnership in 2021.
Bavaria’s transport minister Christian Bernreiter: “By conducting 30 months of passenger operations, we will test the hydrogen train under a full range of everyday conditions. The results of these tests will then determine whether we decide to use hydrogen-powered trains on additional routes in Bavaria.
“Our goal is to end diesel operations in Bavaria’s local and regional rail passenger transport by 2040. In addition to electrifying routes and using battery-powered trains, hydrogen propulsion can be an important factor in achieving this goal.”
The Mireo Plus H is a state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered train based on Siemens Mobility's proven Mireo regional train platform. Two roof-mounted fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery ensure completely CO2-free mobility. The H2 energy supply system, combined with the electric drive, provide high 1.7 MW traction power for acceleration of up to 1.1 m/s² and a top speed of 160 km/h. The train also has an operating range between 1,000 and 1,200 kilometres with one tank filling.
The #Mireo Plus H has completed its first official test drive on one of its future lines! 🎉 Our passengers, among them members of the Bavarian government, got to experience our #hydrogen train before it starts its trial operation in 2024. #TransformTheEveryday pic.twitter.com/9Nm4PDWT5e
— Siemens Mobility (@SiemensMobility) September 15, 2023
The Mireo Plus H also features the lowest lifecycle costs compared to other fuel cell trains on the market and can be quickly refuelled in just 15 minutes.
Karl Blaim, managing director and CFO of Siemens Mobility: “Partnering with the State of Bavaria, we have reached an important milestone today for the future of alternative drive systems for trains. Our hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H train will operate completely emission-free between Augsburg, Füssen and Peissenberg. With this train, we are offering a sustainable solution for rail routes that are not electrified.”
Arnulf Schuchmann, managing director of Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB): “Today we can experience the Siemens Mobility hydrogen train live on a normal line for the first time, and are preparing intensively for passenger operations next year.
“As the second largest railway company in Bavaria, we are especially pleased with the confidence that politicians, the Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft and Siemens Mobility have shown in entrusting us with the test operations.”
Photo Credit: Siemens Mobility
