The first hydrogen-powered train for Bavaria is taking form. On March 15, representatives of Siemens Mobility and Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) signed a leasing contract for the innovative prototype. The contract is a follow-up to the letter of intent signed by all the participants in July 2021.

The two-car hydrogen-powered trainset of the latest generation will be presented to the public this spring. The train will be tested on the Augsburg-Füssen route, among others, beginning in mid-2023. Pilot operations in the rail network of BRB are initially planned for 30 months. The train is expected to officially enter passenger service as of January 2024.

The hydrogen-powered train is being developed based on the Mireo Plus platform from Siemens Mobility. The main component of the hydrogen traction drive are roof-mounted fuel cells. The system includes the latest generation of underfloor batteries supplied by the battery specialist Saft.

The hydrogen-powered train adapts the successful Mireo regional train platform that is available as a battery-powered version as well as with a conventional electric drive. The development of alternative drives for use in rail transport is part of Siemens Mobility’s overall sustainability drive.