The Free State of Bavaria has announced plans to introduce a standardised fleet of tilting trains for its networks in the Allgäu region and Northeast Bavaria. The new trains will operate purely on battery power, with the ability to recharge via overhead lines. This move aims to reduce development, procurement, and operational costs while eliminating the need for hydrogen infrastructure.
Bavaria’s Transport Minister, Christian Bernreiter, highlighted the benefits of the approach, stating: “Thanks to more powerful batteries, we can do without an additional hydrogen drive. The new vehicle fleet will thus be significantly more technically straightforward and economical. Furthermore, the construction of a hydrogen supply and refuelling infrastructure can be eliminated.”
Expert reports on phasing out diesel operations in Northeast Bavaria and the Allgäu region have found that combining battery and hydrogen propulsion in a single vehicle would be too complex and costly. Advances in battery technology now enable purely battery-powered trains with extended ranges, making hydrogen unnecessary.
The new tilting train fleet is scheduled to replace the existing diesel-powered models in the early 2030s. To support this transition, infrastructure upgrades will be required alongside existing plans for battery-electric trains without tilting technology.
In Northeast Bavaria, charging stations will need to be installed at Bayreuth and Neustadt an der Waldnaab stations, while certain tracks at Nuremberg Central Station will require upgraded overhead lines. Additionally, trains terminating in Marktredwitz will need to continue to Cheb (Czech Republic) or Hof for recharging until the electrification of the Hof–Marktredwitz line is complete.
The transition to battery-powered tilting trains has been welcomed by local officials. The Free State of Bavaria is expected to commission DB InfraGO AG later this year to begin planning for battery train operations in Northeast Bavaria, including the necessary upgrades to the tilting train network.
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