Both the exterior and interior design of the high-performance and sustainably conceived train reflect the innovations that went into the climate-friendly hybrid drives as well as the extensive added value provided by the equipment, passenger services, comfort, and convenience.
“We are especially pleased that we are manufacturing climate-friendly and sustainable trains powered by hydrogen or batteries for NEB,” said Elmar Zeiler, head of regional trains at Siemens Mobility.
“The Mireo Plus B and Mireo Plus H trainsets combine innovation and sustainability on rail routes where electrification with overhead lines is neither possible nor economical. Only by providing a strong rail presence and alternative types of drives will we be able to make a significant contribution to combating climate change,” Zeiler added.
“A special train deserves a special design,” noted Detlef Bröcker, CEO of NEB. “The unusual, fresh exterior and interior design of the Mireo Plus stands for a technologically and ecologically renewed railway and an attractive, high-performance regional transport system that operates without CO2 emissions. The Mireo Plus will be a rolling symbol of innovation, climate protection and the transportation transition in Berlin and Brandenburg – showing our home is on the move!”
Both the Mireo Plus H and the Plus B are state-of-the-art trainsets operating with hydrogen or battery hybrid drives. They feature a 1.7-MW powered traction system capable of acceleration of up to 1.1 m/s2 and have a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
The Mireo Plus H and Plus B trainsets are designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Their monocoque, welded lightweight aluminum structure, improved aerodynamics, energy-efficient components, and intelligent electrical system management effectively reduce the use of resources as well as emissions.
“A new era is beginning in Berlin and Brandenburg for the East Brandenburg and Heidekrautbahn rail networks. We will be seeing the shift from conventional diesel-powered trains to extremely ecofriendly trains. The Heidekrautbahn will even be launching CO2 emission-free operations on non-electrified routes in the Berlin and Brandenburg regional rail transport system. The new train design fits this spirit perfectly,” added Thomas Dill, division head, Center for Urban Transport and Quality Management, VBB.
NEB ordered a total of 38 Mireo trainsets with alternative and environmentally friendly drives from Siemens Mobility in 2021 and 2022. Beginning in December 2024, 31 battery-powered Mireo Plus B trains will serve in the East Brandenburg network, and seven hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H trainsets will operate on the Heidekrautbahn. This will mark the first time that hydrogen-powered trains are used in Brandenburg and Berlin. The switch from diesel to hydrogen and batteries will reduce CO2 emissions by around 14.5 million kilograms a year and save around 5.5 million liters of diesel.
The use of hydrogen-powered trains on the Heidekrautbahn is part of the Heidekrautbahn hydrogen rail system system, a joint scientific pilot project funded by the federal government and the states of Berlin and Brandenburg. The project is setting up a regional, sustainable hydrogen infrastructure that also includes a hybrid power plant and a tank system. All train operations on the RB27 are to be powered exclusively with renewable, regionally generated green energy.