The Westphalia-Lippe transport authority (Zweckverband Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe – NWL) has ordered 61 Mireo Plus B battery trains from Siemens Mobility, which will be put into service on NNW routes starting in December 2029. The rolling stock will be financed and provided through a leasing model developed by Rock Rail.
The order represents the most extensive modernization of regional passenger rail transport in the region and will create the second-largest fleet of battery-powered trains in Germany.
Rail leasing to accelerate the green transition
Rock Rail will supply the trains through a leasing-based financing model, a solution that is gaining ground in the German rail market, allowing public authorities to accelerate the introduction of modern rolling stock without major direct investment.
“This project is a clear example of how innovative financing models can accelerate the introduction of modern, environmentally friendly rail technologies,” said Mark Swindell, CEO of Rock Rail. He highlighted the company’s role as a long-term lessor in supporting the transition to sustainable mobility in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Siemens Mobility: decarbonizing regional rail transport
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, highlighted the importance of the order for the company’s decarbonization strategy.
“We are delighted to contribute to the decarbonization of rail transport in Westphalia with our Mireo Plus B battery trains. The order confirms our leading position in the field of alternative propulsion systems and demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can support sustainable mobility solutions.”
Second largest BEMU fleet in Germany
According to Christiane Auffermann, CEO of NWL, battery trains are the optimal solution for rural regions.
“Alternative-propulsion vehicles with zero local emissions are the future of regional rail transport. In areas such as Westphalia-Lippe, battery trains are ideal for non-electrified line sections. With the introduction of the 61 Siemens vehicles, the NWL area will operate the second largest BEMU fleet in Germany.”
BEMU technology and emission-free operation
The new Mireo Plus B trains belong to the BEMU (Battery Electric Multiple Unit) category. They charge their batteries on electrified sections and can run on non-electrified sections using stored energy. Intelligent energy management systems enable zero local emissions operation with low energy consumption and significantly lower noise levels compared to diesel railcars.
Energy is recovered during braking and fed back into the batteries, further contributing to energy efficiency.
More comfort for passengers
Mireo Plus B trains consist of two cars, are 25 meters long, and are equipped with four doors on each side, facilitating fast boarding and alighting. The interior is generously designed and offers space for two wheelchair users and 18 bicycles.
For passengers, the new trains offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets and USB ports, comfortable lighting, ergonomic seats, low noise levels, and fully step-free access. The materials used are sustainably sourced, and the vehicles are over 90% recyclable.
The fleet will cover an annual operating volume of approximately 7.1 million train-kilometers, with a planned operating life of at least 15 years.
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