Siemens Mobility has officially started production of environmentally friendly hydrogen trains that will replace diesel trains on the Südostbayernbahn (SOB) network routes in the German state of Bavaria in the near future. This important step represents a major step towards a sustainable and clean future for rail transport in the region.
Siemens Mobility will not only undertake the production of hydrogen trains, but will also take on the responsibility for maintaining the hydrogen supply infrastructure, which is crucial for the smooth operation of these new-generation trains. At the same time, Germany’s national rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) will make a significant contribution to the project by building an electrolysis plant in Mühldorf to refuel the trains with hydrogen. This plant will produce the green hydrogen required by the trains locally and optimize logistics processes.
New Generation Hydrogen-Powered Trains in Bavaria
The Bavarian government has ordered three two-car Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains from Siemens Mobility to modernize the region’s old and polluting diesel train fleet. These new-generation, zero-emission trains will operate on the 32,3-kilometer, non-electrified regional railway line between Mühldorf, Tüßling and Burghausen. The line is an important transport axis for the region, and with the introduction of hydrogen trains, passengers will experience a more environmentally friendly and comfortable journey.
Advanced Technical Features and Passenger Comfort
Siemens Mobility announced that the hydrogen trains it will produce are designed to maximize passenger comfort. The trains will have specially designed windows to improve mobile signal reception. Mireo Plus H trains will Up to 140 kilometers It will be able to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and offer an impressive range on a single hydrogen charge: 1.200 kilometers. Although a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour and a range of 1.000 kilometers were initially targeted, updated data shows that the trains have improved technical specifications. This longer range will allow the trains to operate flexibly and efficiently on regional lines.
Hope for a Green Transformation in Regional Transportation
This pioneering project by Siemens Mobility and Deutsche Bahn represents a giant leap forward towards environmentally friendly transport by integrating hydrogen trains into regional transport. This collaboration will play a crucial role in Germany’s sustainable transport goals. With this project, Bavaria will be one of the first regions where hydrogen technology replaces conventional diesel trains and will set an example for other regions. Both companies are confident that hydrogen trains will improve the quality of regional transport and offer passengers cleaner, quieter and more comfortable travel. This project is seen as a strong indication that hydrogen will play an important role in the future of rail transport.
