On Friday, 15 December, Deutsche Bahn (DB) launched the tender for a new generation of high-speed trains.
This includes the development, construction and approval of a new train fleet, which is to be deployed at the beginning of the 2030s. The future generation of ICE trains will set new standards for the travelling experience with new interior concepts and other innovations. As many stepless, level entrances as possible will facilitate access for passengers with reduced mobility. DB also expects to set new records in terms of energy efficiency and technical reliability.
A framework agreement is to be concluded for up to 95 vehicles. In a first tranche, DB intends to order 33 of the single-decker trains with a maximum length of 400 metres, a minimum speed of 300km/h and around 940 seats. Before the new generation of trains goes into operation, a prototype will be trialled in advance. With the ICE of the future, DB will replace older trains such as the ICE 1 and ICE 3 and expand the ICE fleet in order to meet the rapidly growing number of passengers.
DB is breaking new ground in the procurement of the future train generation. Following an initial tender, Alstom Transport Deutschland and Siemens Mobility, together with Deutsche Bahn, have each developed an independent vehicle concept.
