Siemens Mobility is delivering a next generation hydrogen-powered train to Bavaria, the region’s first. Pilot tests will start from mid-2023 on Bayerische Regiobahn routes.

Siemens Mobility and Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) signed a leasing contract for the prototype hydrogen train in a follow-up to the letter of intent signed in July 2021.

The two-car hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H trainset will be shown this spring and tested on the Augsburg-Füssen route, among others, beginning in mid-2023. Pilot operations in the rail network of Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) are initially planned for 30 months with plans to officially enter passenger service by January 2024.

The hydrogen-powered train is based on the Mireo Plus platform, adding roof-mounted fuel cells and underfloor batteries supplied by the battery specialist Saft.

“Green hydrogen is becoming a key pillar for comprehensive climate protection in the areas of transportation, industry and energy. This train is an important part of this strategy towards a “transport turnaround” with hydrogen, which is why we are promoting this project,” said Bavaria’s Economic Affairs Minister Hubert Aiwanger. “I am convinced that with green hydrogen propulsions we can significantly reduce pollutant emissions in heavy-duty and rail transport and contribute to decarbonization. The one-sided dependence on energy supplies can also be reduced and spread across many regions of the world.”

“We’re working closely with our partners to get this lighthouse project under way because we’re convinced hydrogen propulsion can also contribute to attractive and even climate-neutral passenger rail transport. Our goal is to achieve this by 2040 at the latest. Bavaria’s support of the pilot project with funding of several million euros is more than well-invested,” said Bavaria’s Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter.