Siemens Mobility has won a contract to supply 31 battery-electric trains to East Brandenburg in Germany.

The new trains will be Siemens‘ Mireo Plus B trains, which are emission-free battery-electric hybrids, and will run on all lines of the East Brandenburg rail network.

Power will normally be drawn from overhead live wires, but on non-electrified sections of line lithium-ion batteries will power the trains.

The trains’ batteries will be charged during travel over electrified sections and also from regenerative braking energy. When running on batteries, the trains have a range of over 90 km.

The trains will run in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area, with the first trains running in December 2024, and will be the first time that battery-electric trains will have run in the area.

Guido Beermann, Minister for Transport for the State of Brandenburg:

“The use of environmentally friendly propulsion systems in public transport marks a milestone in the technical transition taking place in the rail sector. As the first battery-electric, multiple-unit train in the VBB network, the Mireo Plus B provides real added value in terms of climate compatibility and economy compared to the trains operating with combustion engines currently in use. This trend toward electric trains, together with an even more attractive service offering, will continue and give further impetus to the transport transition.”

Regine Günther, Senator for the Environment, Transport and Climate Protection, the State of Berlin:

“The new trains ordered for regional service will make a double contribution to protecting the environment: There will be more train connections and at the same time fewer emissions. Providing more space, better equipment and features, and a higher service frequency, the regional trains will become more and more attractive for daily commuting and a real alternative to private cars.”

Susanne Henckel, Managing Director of the Berlin-Brandenburg Public Transport Authority (VBB):

“We have set new standards with the East Brandenburg network and its focus on alternative drives. The new trains along with the increased service frequency will significantly improve the offering for passengers. There is, in fact, no alternative: Environmentally friendly rail must be further supported and expanded. What pleases me the most is that electric trains with battery storage systems will operate on many lines in the future. The transport transition and climate protection are in full harmony: It’s a good day for public transport in Berlin and Brandenburg.”

Detlef Bröcker, Managing Director, Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB):

“With the Mireo Plus B from Siemens, we have a high-performance, highly efficient and innovative train in terms of performance, range and equipment, and one that’s especially suitable for the partially electrified regional lines of the East Brandenburg network. With our push toward innovation and providing equipment that is geared to the needs of our passengers, we’re strengthening climate-friendly regional rail transport and combining climate protection goals with the requirements of the transport transition.”

Dr. Elmar Zeiler, Head of Mass Transit and Regional Trains at Siemens Mobility:

“Sustainability is a very high priority for Siemens Mobility, which is why we are so pleased with the second order for our battery-powered Mireo Plus B. Our Mireo is really poplar with customers as well as passengers. We’ve already sold over 240 trains in this successful series. This state-of-the-art train delivers passenger comfort and convenience, reliability, and availability along with climate protection. By using batteries, the trains can operate on non-electrified railway lines, replacing diesel-powered trains and making a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.”

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