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Hybrid drive systems

Hybrid drive systems for commuter and regional trains

Our answers to new challenges

While large sections of the railway network aren't electrified, rail operators are increasingly searching for a replacement for diesel multiple units (DMUs), a trend that will intensify over the coming decades. The reasons are stricter emission regulations (air pollution, noise, and carbon dioxide) and anticipated increases in the price of diesel fuel. Because an increase in renewable power generation is also resulting in fluctuating grid capacities, the focus is shifting to storage-based solutions for power supply.

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Clean. Flexible. Powerful.

Sustainable regional rail service – even catenary-free

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 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 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

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.

Infographic economic efficiency of batteries

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

Desiro Slider

More sustainability for regional transport

Find out how the Desiro Cityjet eco bridges longer distances without overhead wire while also protecting the environment

Station 1: The start

Pick up speed with innovative drive technologie

Thanks to its state-of-the-art batteries, the Desiro Cityjet eco also runs on track sections without an overhead wire where normally only diesel vehicles can operate. And all this without compromising travel comfort: all power-supplied systems remain fully functional.

Station 2: The batteries

Higher performance with state-of-the-art battery technology

All the components necessary for the power supply are on the roof, opening up more space in the interior. The batteries can be charged via the overhead wire. Click the hotspots for information on the batteries.

Only one battery replacement throughout the whole lifecycle

With one battery charge, the Desiro Cityjet eco traction unit can cover a distance that is roughly equivalent to the Munich-Innsbruck line. Throughout the train’s lifecycle, the battery has to be replaced only one time, which means once about every 10 to 15 years.

Protect the environment with every run

The Desiro Cityjet eco is already being used in passenger operation. Compared to diesel vehicles, it protects the environment with every run. Click the hotspots for the most important vehicle information.

Overview of batteries

Powerful innovation

The Desiro Cityjet eco has 3 lithium-ion battery packs with a total of 9,900 cells. The total weight of the battery equipment installed on the roof of the intermediate car is 12 tons.

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Charging process

Simple charging process

The batteries are charged while underway on sections with overhead wire and while stopped at stations equipped with overhead wire. This ensures that the Desiro Cityjet eco’s potential range is quickly restored.

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Battery capacity

Extraordinarily packed with energy

With a 528 kWh battery capacity, the Desiro Cityjet eco has about the same energy storage capacity as 15 compact electric cars, but with the ability to carry up to 448 passengers.

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Speed

Increased flexibility

The Desiro Cityjet eco is ideally suited for regional transport and operation on branch lines. In regular operation, the Desiro Cityjet eco reaches a top speed of 140 km/h and is currently further developed to reach a speed of 160 km/h. On runs using the eco traction unit, the train achieves a continuous speed of 120 km/h, which is perfectly adequate for branch lines.

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Capacity

Small ecological footprint

With the energy storage capacity of 15 compact electric cars but a passenger capacity of 448 per run, the Desiro Cityjet eco transports significantly more people than a car, resulting in a better ecological footprint.

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Range

Ideal operating range

The Desiro Cityjet eco is precisely tailored for use in regional transport. With a range that is roughly equivalent to the Munich-Innsbruck line, it can flexibly bridge segments without overhead wire or cover entire routes using only batteries.

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