The first battery-powered trains for North Rhine-Westphalia are set to begin service in 2026, marking a significant step towards environmentally friendly transportation. According to Sascha M. Zuk, CEO of Regiobahn Fahrbetriebsgesellschaft, the introduction of these new trains will allow the company "to again offer our customers a continuous train connection between Remscheid and Düsseldorf beginning in the summer of 2026 – this time with state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly trains." He further emphasized that by deploying these battery-powered trains, Regiobahn aims to enhance its reputation as an innovative and reliable company.
Benjamin Dobernecker, CEO of Smart Train Lease GmbH, expressed enthusiasm about providing these modern Mireo Plus B battery trains to Regiobahn. He stated, "We are delighted to be able to offer Regiobahn these environmentally friendly and modern Mireo Plus B battery trains at short notice. Our aim is to make train rentals as easy and uncomplicated as car rentals."
These two-car battery-powered trains boast a range of up to 120 kilometers and can achieve speeds up to 140 km/h in both overhead line and battery operation. They provide seating for 122 passengers and include features such as spacious multi-purpose areas, modern passenger information systems, WLAN service, barrier-free boarding, quiet operation, numerous sockets and USB charging ports for devices, and improved mobile phone reception thanks to high-frequency window glass developed by Siemens Mobility.
For accessibility, the Mireo Plus B trains feature a 76 cm entry height for easy platform access along the route and are equipped with a barrier-free toilet. Energy efficiency is another highlight; using silicon carbide (SiC) technology allows the train’s energy consumption to remain low while enabling batteries to charge during travel or when stationary without requiring additional infrastructure on the Düssel-Wupper Express route.
The new trains will commence operations on the RE 47 route starting in summer 2026.