SFBW has ordered a total of 20 battery-powered Mireo Plus B trains from Siemens Mobility for operation in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, according to Globalrailwayreview.com.

Winfried Hermann, State Minister for Transport, said: “This marks the first time battery-powered trains will be used in the state. With this innovative technology, the electrification of rail routes without continuous overhead power lines will also be possible.”

The total order of 20 Mireo Plus B trains includes maintenance of the trains by Siemens Mobility for a period of just under 30 years. The two-car electric trainsets with 120 seats can operate on rail routes with or without overhead power lines thanks to their battery hybrid drive, and are scheduled to operate in Network 8 of the Ortenau regional system.

With a range of approximately 80km in battery operation under real conditions, the batteries can be charged via the overhead line while operating along electrified sections and by recuperating the train’s braking energy. The lithium-ion battery system is mounted underfloor and is installed in two battery containers.