Siemens Mobility has completed the first test runs of its Mireo Plus H hydrogen-powered train in Bavaria, Germany.
The two-car trainset is scheduled to enter passenger service in mid-2024 on Bayerische Regiobahn’s (BRB) routes between Augsburg and Füssen and Augsburg and Peissenberg. Pilot operations of the train will then take place over a period of 30 months.
“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 equipped with two roof-mounted fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery to provide zero-emission transportation. The combination of this hydrogen energy supply system and electric drive provides 1.7 MW of traction power for acceleration of up to 1.1 m/s² and a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
The train has an operating range of between 1,000 and 1,200 kilometres on a single refuelling and can be refilled in just 15 minutes.
“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.”
