An emission-free, energy-efficient and low-noise battery-operated train from Bombardier Transportation was introduced to the public for the first time earlier this month at the company’s Hennigsdorf site (near Berlin).

Speaking of the Bombardier Talent 3 electro-hybrid train, Transport Secretary Enak Ferlemann said: “We want to continue to electrify rail transport.

"A train that can charge its batteries from the overhead line while driving is a huge step toward this. On non-electrified or only partially electrified routes, the motto is: move away from diesel on the tracks and towards cleaner and more environment-friendly mobility.”

Bombardier (www.bombardier.com) says that this train —the first battery-operated type to enter passenger operation in Europe in over 60 years — does not generate any exhaust gases and sets the standard for smart mobility, with peak values of 90% for efficiency and recyclability — plus it produces about half the noise of modern diesel trains.

Michael Fohrer, head of Bombardier Transportation in Germany, said: “With our new battery-operated train, we are putting real innovation on the tracks.

“Around 40% of the German rail network is not electrified. The Bombardier battery-operated train is an attractive option to counter that, both economically and ecologically.”

The current prototype is equipped with four Bombardier Mitrac traction batteries that give a range of about 40km; in 2019, the next generation of battery-operated trains will be able to cover distances of up to 100km on non-electrified railways.

In 2019, Deutsche Bahn will start a 12-month trial run with passengers, using the current prototype in the Alb-Lake Constance region.