Alternative drives for commuter and regional trains

Desiro ML ÖBB Cityjet eco

Our answers to new challenges

Because large sections of the railway network are not yet electrified, operators are increasingly searching for a replacement for diesel multiple units (DMUs). Siemens Mobility provides custom-fit solutions, including alternative drives for multiple units that allow operators to excel in terms of cost-efficiency while at the same time paving the way for an emission-free and sustainable future.

Sustainability for regional and commuter transport

Alternative drive systems are an important part of emission-free regional and commuter transport. This is where Mireo Plus B and Mireo Plus H play a decisive role. Both these members of the Mireo family offer all the advantages of the proven commuter and regional train on a hybrid platform, including energy-saving operation, a flexible interior design, and economical maintenance and lifecycle costs.

Clean, flexible, powerful – sustainable regional transport even without an overhead contact line

What are the benefits of hydrogen trains?

Consistently better operation – with hydrogen

Hydrogen (H2) is an ideal storage medium for electrical energy because it can easily be carried in tanks and reconverted to electricity (and water) in a hydrogen fuel cell. Siemens Mobility offers all the elements in the supply chain for H2 trains from a single source, from wind power plants and electrolyzers that generate hydrogen to depot storage and on-board fuel cell technology.

Fuel cells for long operating ranges

Due to their high power density, Siemens Mobility H2 trains typically require one tank stop at the depot per day, especially for ranges over 120 km. Two train lengths are available: two-car units for ranges up to 600 km and three-car units for ranges between 800 and 1,000 km.

Your benefits:

  • CO2-free operation when using hydrogen from electrolysis
  • Low noise level
  • State-of-the-art fuel cells with twice the power density and service life → 34,000 operating hours (over three times as many as the market standard)
  • +5 percent efficiency level
  • Use of excess electricity in the grid with hydrogen as storage medium
  • Sustainable technology from a single source, ranging from wind power plants and electrolyzers (H2) to the vehicle, maintenance/service

What are the benefits of battery trains?

Traction batteries for partially electrified sections

All the technological components in our battery-powered trains are installed on the roof or underfloor. Batteries have been proving themselves as an electrical storage system for decades. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, they're ideal for use in battery-powered trains with ranges up to 120 km. Batteries can be charged in stations via overhead cable contacts. The acceleration advantage and greater riding comfort of the electric drive as compared to DMUs is especially noticeable on shorter sections.

Built-in bonus: cost-effectiveness

Thanks to energy savings and reduced lifecycle costs, operation of our battery-powered trains is also extremely cost-effective (up to 45 percent reduction in operating costs). All this is available in an optimized overall solution from a single source, including vehicles, service, financing and, on request, energy procurement, power distribution, and charging stations.
Your benefits:

  • CO2-free operation when using power from renewable sources
  • Low noise level
  • State-of-the-art, extremely long-life lithium-ion technology with twice the service life of conventional systems
  • Significantly higher charging capacity – fewer charging stations necessary; rugged, simple design permits the use of larger batteries

Mireo Plus B in the field

With the Mireo Plus B, more and more operators are paving the way for climate-friendly regional rail transport.

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Expert service throughout the entire lifecycle

Our goal is to actively shape the future of mobility – a goal that we also consistently pursue with our lifecycle concept. We have reimagined our maintenance philosophy. Thanks to preventive service and smart maintenance concepts, Mireo operators take on zero risk and have trains that are ready to run every morning.

Contact

To learn more about the benefits of our alternative drives for regional and commuter transport, contact our experts directly.