BEG revealed that Siemens’ Mireo Plus H hydrogen train will be into test operation in mid-2023 and then in passenger operation by January 2024 at the latest.
A prototype of the Mireo Plus H will be used for 30 months on the routes Augsburg – Weilheim – Peißenberg; Augsburg – Kaufering; and Augsburg – Kaufbeuren – Füssen, and will take over individual journeys in the regular passenger service of the Bavarian Regiobahn (BRB).
BEG and the BRB have signed a corresponding agreement. The declaration of intent from the Bavarian state government, Siemens Mobility and BRB from last year has thus resulted in a concrete contract.
“I am pleased that the test operation is now wrapped up. This will be a mobility flagship for the Free State and is an important step on the way to climate-neutral drive technologies in Bavarian regional transport,” said Bavaria’s Minister of Transport and BEG Supervisory Board Chairman, Christian Bernreiter.
Two weeks ago, the minister visited the prototype of the Siemens hydrogen train for the first time at the world's largest rail technology trade fair, Innotrans, in Berlin, Germany.
“Before hydrogen trains go into regular operation throughout Bavaria, we first want to test their suitability for everyday use in detail,” added Thomas Prechtl, spokesman for the management of the BEG, which plans, finances and controls regional and S-Bahn traffic in Bavaria on behalf of the Free State. “Because the use in the Free State with its many winding and sloping routes places special demands on the trains. The test operation south of Augsburg is predestined for this.”
Earlier this year, Siemens Mobility announced its first serial order for its emission-free Mireo Plus H hydrogen train. The firm will build seven two-car trains with fuel cell drives and lithium-ion batteries for Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) to provide more sustainable commuter trains in the Berlin/Brandenburg area in Germany.
The Mireo Plus H is a second-generation hydrogen train featuring a hydrogen-powered traction system with 1.7 MW of traction power providing up to 1.1 m/s2 acceleration and a top speed of 160 km/h. In addition, the train has the lowest lifecycle costs on the market, according to Siemens, and can be refueled in just 15 minutes.