The Mireo Plus B combines all the benefits of the Mireo platform with a high-performance battery system that enables trains to operate on routes with or without overhead power lines thanks to their battery hybrid drive. The seven two-car electric trainsets will be delivered by the end of 2024 and are scheduled to operate on two lines in the Midtjylland region of Denmark.
“This is a crucial step in our own green transition, but also a significant step toward the goal of CO2-neutral train traffic throughout Denmark,” said Martha Vrist, CEO of Midtjyske Jernbaner.
Albrecht Neumann, CEO of rolling stock at Siemens Mobility, added, “With the acquisition of the Mireo Plus B trains, Midtjyske Jernbaner replaces conventional diesel vehicles with state-of-the-art, and locally, completely emission free trains. This will significantly contribute to the local area by offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility option."
The Mireo Plus B two-car trainsets can accommodate 120 seated passengers, travel up to 140 km/h and have a range of around 80 km when in battery operation. The batteries can be charged via the 25 kV overhead line in electrified sections and by recuperating the train’s braking energy. The battery system is mounted underfloor and is installed in two battery containers. Lithium-ion batteries with a long service life are used in this system.
This is the third order Siemens Mobility has received for the Mireo Plus B and the first outside of Germany. The Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Württemberg (SFBW) ordered 20 Mireo Plus B trains in 2020 and Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) ordered 31 in 2021.
This technology has been extensively tested for more than one year through a preliminary version on a prototype train, the Desiro ML ÖBB Cityjet eco in Austria.