World’s Largest Battery Train Order: Siemens Accelerates Decarbonization of Rail Transport in Lower Saxony

Lower Saxony Transport Authority (LNVG) and Greater Braunschweig Regional Association (RGB) award contract for 113 three-car Mireo Plus B battery trains, maintenance, and depots valued at over two billion euros

83 vehicles for Lower Saxony Transport Authority and an additional 30 trains for Greater Braunschweig Regional Association

Two new maintenance facilities in Lower Saxony, including long-term digital maintenance over 30 years and up to 100 future-proof jobs

Option for the procurement of an additional 132 trains

Siemens Mobility has received a major order from the Landesnahverkehrsgesellschaft Niedersachsen (LNVG) and the Regionalverband Großraum Braunschweig (RGB) for battery-powered regional trains. The order includes 113 three-car Mireo Plus B trains, an extensive 30-year service package, and the construction of two Rail Service Centers in Lower Saxony. The contract also includes options for up to 132 additional rail vehicles. The trains will enter passenger service starting at the end of 2031.

Michael Peter, President, Siemens Mobility: “With the world’s largest order for battery-powered trains, we are working alongside our partners in Lower Saxony to drive forward the decarbonisation of rail transport and demonstrate that sustainable mobility is already economically viable and scalable today. Our Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains offer emission-free operation, high availability and first-class passenger comfort. In combination with our digital service and maintenance concept, Railigent X, we are laying the foundations for efficient and reliable fleet operation throughout the vehicles’ 30-year life cycle. At the same time, we are investing in service and maintenance capacity as well as skilled local jobs. In this way, we are creating long-term added value for passengers, transport authorities and the region.”

About Mireo Plus B

With the proven Mireo Plus B, Siemens Mobility offers a tried-and-tested battery-electric platform for sustainable and economical regional transport on routes that are only partially electrified. The high-performance, three-car vehicles, valued at around 1.1 billion euros, enable emission-free operation without continuous overhead lines, reach speeds of up to 160 km/h, and make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of rail transport. The batteries are charged while traveling under overhead lines and subsequently enable emission-free operation on route sections without catenary wires.

The 113 three-car, battery-electric Mireo Plus B trains offer an exceptionally high level of accessibility and passenger comfort. Due to doors with different levels of entry height, level boarding and a comfortable entry at different platform heights is mostly possible. Two wheelchair spaces, spacious multi-purpose areas, as well as modern passenger information systems and Wi-Fi ensure a pleasant journey for all passengers. Furthermore, the trains features more than 170 seats, including at least six seats in 1st class. For bicycle transport, there are at least six storage spaces per train, which can be expanded to up to 18 spaces if required.

30-Year service contract and two new rail service centers

In addition to vehicle delivery, the contract includes comprehensive customer service provisions. For long-term and reliable operation of the fleet, the contract relies on Siemens Mobility's comprehensive operations and maintenance concept, Railigent X. The core of the project is a 30-year full-service contract for the 113 battery-electric Mireo Plus B trains. Siemens Mobility will assume full maintenance of the vehicles and support a near-hundred-percent operational availability. The service package includes modern digital services for condition-based maintenance and fleet performance optimization, comprehensive asset management, supply of spare parts, and maintenance services throughout the entire lifecycle of the trains. Additionally, training programs for operations and maintenance personnel ensure that reliable expertise is built up and that efficient and resource-saving operation is guaranteed.

For the Lower Saxony BEMU project, a modern maintenance infrastructure for the battery-electric vehicles is planned. This involves a workshop concept that encompasses both operational running maintenance of the vehicles and the centralization of overhauls and heavy maintenance work in a center of competence. This is complemented by additional local facilities for regional vehicle care. Up to 100 future-proof jobs will be created. The concept combines high fleet availability with economical operational processes, therefore establishing the foundation for long-term reliable and sustainable rail transport in Lower Saxony.