Siemens Mobility to supply battery-powered trains to Denmark

Siemens Mobility has won a contract to provide seven battery-powered trains to Midtjyske Jernbaner in Denmark

Mireo Plus B trains are innovative and an energy-efficient hybrid battery-powered platform that can operate with or without overhead lines. The trains operate as two-car units. They are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2024 for use on two lines in the Midtjylland region of Denmark.

This is Denmark’s first contract for battery-powered trains, and is part of a pilot project to replace all diesel train sets throughout the country. Mireo Plus B trains combine the benefits of the Mireo platform with a high-performance battery system so that trains can operate on routes with or without overhead power lines.

The trains will accommodate 120 seated passengers, travel up to 140 km/h, and a range of around 80 km when in battery operation. The batteries can be charged either via the 25 kV overhead line in electrified sections or by recovering the train’s braking energy. The battery system uses Lithium-ion batteries and is mounted underfloor in two battery containers.

Martha Vrist, CEO Midtjyske Jernbaner Drift A/S, said:

“The battery trains are expected to enter service at the end of 2024. This is a crucial step in our own green transition, but also a significant step towards the goal of CO2-neutral train traffic throughout Denmark.”

“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.

Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said:

“We are delighted that Midtjyske Jernbaner has chosen the energy-efficient Mireo Plus B trains from Siemens Mobility, which will also offer a high level of driving comfort and an improved passenger experience.”

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. Siemens has extensively tested the technology for over one year through a preliminary version on a prototype train, the Desiro ML ÖBB Cityjet eco in Austria.