Siemens Mobility has started production of the hydrogen-powered trains that will begin operating on the Südostbayernbahn network (one of several regional railway networks in Germany owned by Germany’s national railway,
int.bahn.de/en Deutsche Bahn AG) in late 2026. The order, from the state of Bavaria, is for three two-car Mireo Plus H trains that will replace diesel trains currently operating from the network’s Mühldorf hub and significantly reduce CO
2 emissions, as well as noise and exhaust gas in the region.
The new trains will be equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS), to ensure maximum operational safety and efficiency. Along with the series contract, Siemens Mobility was also awarded a service contract for the trains’ hydrogen supply system. In addition, Deutsche Bahn will build an electrolysis plant in Mühldorf that will be completely powered by ‘green’ electricity.
Andre Rodenbeck, Siemens Mobility’s CEO — Rolling Stock, said: “We are proud to be delivering Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains to Deutsche Bahn and thus enabling emission-free mobility in our home region. Our hydrogen trains feature mature technology, high energy efficiency, strong drive power, long operating range, and low noise levels.”
The Mireo Plus H hydrogen train based on Siemens Mobility’s proven regional train platform, which is available with electric, battery, or hydrogen-powered drives. On the hydrogen-powered variant, a roof-mounted fuel cell and lithium-ion batteries installed beneath the car floor ensure operation completely free of CO
2 emissions.
With its hydrogen supply system and electric drive, the train has a drive power of 1.7MW that enables it to accelerate up to 1.1m/sec
2 and reach a top speed of 140km/h — and achieve a range of up to 1,200km on a single tank of fuel, depending on factors such as the route topography and ‘driving style’. The Mireo design is based on an integrated lightweight aluminium structure that is energy-saving, environment-friendly, and aerodynamically efficient.