Siemens Mobility’s hydrogen-fuelled train tests in Bavaria

Siemens Mobility — a separately managed company of Siemens AG — has been an innovative leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. 

Hydrogen: A sustainable transport solution

The company’s Mireo Plus H hydrogen powered train has just completed its first test runs in Bavaria, and is set to enter passenger service in mid 2024.

“Partnering with the State of Bavaria, we have reached an important milestone today for the future of alternative drive systems for trains,” says Karl Blaim, Managing Director and CFO of Siemens Mobility.

“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.”

The state-of-the-art hydrogen-powered train runs off two roof-mounted fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery that ensure completely CO2-free mobility. 

The H2 energy supply system, combined with the electric drive offers: 

• 1.7 MW traction power
• Acceleration of up to 1.1 m/s²
• Top speed of 160 km/h
• Operating range between 1,000 and 1,200 kilometres with one tank filling
• Lowest lifecycle costs compared to other fuel cell trains on the market
• Refuelling in 15 minutes

The Mireo’s design features a monocoque, welded lightweight aluminium structure, improved aerodynamics, energy-efficient components, and intelligent electrical system management to reduce the use of resources and energy, as well as emissions. 

“Our goal is to end diesel operations in Bavaria’s local and regional rail passenger transport by 2040,” shares Christian Bernreiter, Bavaria’s Transport Minister.

“In addition to electrifying routes and using battery-powered trains, hydrogen propulsion can be an important factor in achieving this goal.”

The development of alternative drives in rail transport is part of Siemens Mobility’s sustainability strategy. The company is a pioneer in sustainable mobility solutions and offers the successful Mireo regional train platform not only as an electric train for routes with overhead power lines, but also as hydrogen and battery-powered variants.

“With this first hydrogen train, Bavaria is taking another step towards a hydrogen future,” Hubert Aiwanger Bavaria’s Economics Minister celebrates.

“By implementing the pilot project together with our partners Siemens and Bayerische Regiobahn, we are making the hydrogen future a tangible experience and at the same time gaining key practical know-how for the broad application of sustainable hydrogen innovations.”

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