Siemens Mobility’s Mireo Plus B battery hybrid trains have begun regular service for SWEG in the Ortenau region of Germany.
This marks the premiere of these trains in Germany, following a 2020 order for the delivery of 27 units to operate in Network 8 of the Ortenau regional system.
The start of service for the first four of these trains was celebrated with an inaugural trip from Offenburg to Oberkirch, accompanied by Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport for the state of Baden-Württemberg.
“We are writing a new chapter in railway history with this opening trip. Thanks to the battery hybrid drive of the Mireo Plus B, trains operating in the Ortenau region as of today are more climate-friendly than those using diesel. Baden-Württemberg is a pioneer with innovative train technology. All trains should be climate-friendly. We are relying on alternative, climate-friendly solutions wherever there are still no overhead power lines.”
The hybrid trains will initially be used on the routes from Offenburg to Bad Griesbach and from Offenburg to Hornberg. They will replace the diesel-powered Regio Shuttle RS1 units previously operating on these routes.
In the future, SWEG also plans to gradually extend the hybrid service to other rouets in its network.
“SWEG not only stands for quality, but also for innovation. We are especially pleased to now be able to make these innovative trains available to our passengers and will be demonstrating our role as a reliable partner to both the state of Baden-Württemberg and Siemens Mobility.”
The Mireo Plus B battery-electric multiple-unit trains are powered by green electricity to produce no tailpipe emissions and offer smooth and quiet journeys.
Their battery hybrid drive enables them to be used on routes with and without overhead power lines.
In battery operation, the Mireo Plus B has a range of up to 120 kilometres in real operating conditions. Its batteries can then be recharged from the overhead line and with braking energy.
The battery system is installed beneath the car floor and includes two battery containers holding lithium-ion batteries with a long service life.
“We are proud that our first fleet of Mireo Plus B battery trains is now going into passenger service. We would like to thank the state of Baden-Württemberg and SWEG for their trust and confidence in our innovative and environmentally friendly technology. By expanding rail transport, we can make an active contribution to climate protection. The introduction of these highly advanced trains, which can operate up to 120 kilometres on battery power, marks an important step towards a sustainable future.”
The trainsets have 120 seats and are equipped with a toilet, air conditioning and spacious special-use areas.
In addition to reducing emissions, the introduction of the new trains has also enabled SWEG to optimise its timetable, which no longer requires passengers to change trains at Hausach. What’s more, trains now operate at least on an hourly basis on all routes from early morning to evening.
“With the new network and the new trains, we are increasing the service frequency and providing higher capacity. Passengers now have more comfortable and attractive options for changing trains and boarding – whether in the cities or country.”
