Siemens Mobility Drives Emission-Free Future with New Mireo Battery Trains

NRW is ditching diesel. Siemens’ new battery trains for Regiobahn promise cleaner, quieter, and smarter commuting by 2026.

Siemens Mobility officially presented its new Mireo Smart Plus B battery-electric trains at the company’s test centre in Wegberg-Wildenrath. Designed for Regiobahn’s RE 47 line, these new vehicles are scheduled to enter service in summer 2026, connecting Remscheid-Lennep and Düsseldorf Central Station.

Siemens Mobility presenta los nuevos trenes de batería Mireo Smart Plus B //t.co/1qcnUJFPLZ pic.twitter.com/4Wmx3C66Yn

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The introduction of the new trains, developed in collaboration with Smart Train Lease GmbH, represents what Siemens calls a "milestone for climate-neutral mobility" in the state. With a range of up to 120 kilometres and a top speed of 140 km/h, the battery-powered Mireo units are tailored to meet the technical demands of non-electrified segments like the Müngstener Bridge, enabling emission-free operation without additional infrastructure investment. Götz Nink, Managing Director of Regiobahn, expressed confidence in the rollout, stating: "The battery-electric Mireo Smart is perfect for the challenging route and allows us to provide an attractive connection between Remscheid and Düsseldorf after three years of rail replacement services."

Designed for Comfort, Connectivity, and Accessibility

The move comes at an important time for public transport in NRW, as regional operators seek to balance climate goals with operational efficiency. The three two-car trains offer 122 seats, with eight in a dedicated first-class section. Key features include WiFi, barrier-free access, quiet operation, and space for 12 bicycles. The interior design promotes a sense of safety and openness, while USB ports and power outlets cater to passengers’ digital needs. In a notable innovation, Siemens has integrated high-frequency windows to enhance mobile phone reception during travel—an issue often criticised in regional rail service.

Equipped with Siemens’ latest silicon carbide (SiC) technology, the Mireo Smart Plus B trains demonstrate high energy efficiency and low operating costs, allowing charging both in-motion and at stations. Importantly, this eliminates the need for costly infrastructure upgrades or charging facilities, significantly reducing the financial and environmental footprint of the transition. Alexandra Westerkamp, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board at Regiobahn and Head of Department at VRR, stated: "Thanks to VRR’s majority stake in Regiobahn, we succeeded in procuring locally emission-free vehicles that will provide direct transport between Bergisches Land and the state capital."

No Extra Infrastructure Needed, Thanks to Smart Tech

The full-service model for the fleet is another key advantage. Siemens Mobility will provide maintenance services under a comprehensive contract that guarantees near-total availability. Preventive and corrective maintenance will be handled at the Dortmund Rail Service Centre, one of Europe’s most advanced facilities. Real-time diagnostics will be performed via Siemens’ Railigent X digital platform, ensuring faults are identified and addressed proactively. Benjamin Dobernecker, CEO of Smart Train Lease, emphasised the importance of this rollout: "Thanks to the intelligent vehicle platform, we can provide these powerful and comfortable battery trains in record time."

From a policy standpoint, the deployment aligns with broader EU and regional objectives to decarbonise public transport, especially on partially electrified or isolated lines. The RE 47 corridor is a high-frequency commuter route where environmental performance, reliability, and passenger comfort are crucial. As diesel rail vehicles are phased out across Germany, projects like this are set to become templates for a national and European shift toward battery-electric traction.

The initiative, as pointed out in the Siemens Mobility press release, not only showcases engineering innovation but also reflects strong cross-sector collaboration between OEMs, leasing firms, and transport authorities. It is expected to deliver long-term benefits for both passengers and operators, including lower emissions, reduced operational costs, and enhanced travel quality. Regiobahn’s adoption of the Mireo Smart Plus B platform underlines the growing importance of agile, scalable, and environmentally sound rail solutions across Europe.

Source: Siemens Mobility