The introduction of new battery-powered trains on the RE 47 line between Remscheid and Düsseldorf marks a significant shift towards low-emission regional mobility in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). The Mireo Smart Plus B trains, developed by Siemens Mobility and leased through Smart Train Lease, were officially unveiled at Siemens’ test centre in Wegberg-Wildenrath.
Starting in summer 2026, these battery-electric trains will replace the current diesel fleet operating on the Regiobahn network. The project is viewed as a key milestone in NRW’s wider efforts to decarbonise transport and modernise regional rail services.
Environmentally friendly alternative
Three two-car Mireo Smart Plus B units will be deployed on the RE 47 line, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for commuters travelling between Remscheid-Lennep and Düsseldorf Central Station. The trains have a range of up to 120 km and can reach speeds of 140 km/h, operating under both overhead wires and on battery power.
The initiative is supported by Smart Train Lease GmbH, which enabled a fast procurement process. “The state-of-the-art standardized Mireo Smart trains from Siemens Mobility are an important milestone for climate-friendly rail transport in North Rhine-Westphalia. Thanks to the intelligent vehicle platform, we can provide these particularly powerful and comfortable battery trains in record time,” said Benjamin Dobernecker, CEO of Smart Train Lease.
Reliable service after years of disruption
The RE 47 route has been heavily impacted in recent years, requiring extended use of rail replacement services. With the new trains, Regiobahn aims to restore reliable, high-quality services.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer our passengers on the RE 47 line a reliable alternative again next year,” said Götz Nink, Managing Director of Regiobahn. “The Mireo Smart BEMU trains are the right solution in terms of availability, comfort, and emission-free mobility… After three years of painful use of rail replacement services, we are confident in offering an attractive connection between Remscheid and Düsseldorf.”
He added that the battery-powered Mireo Smart is particularly well suited for the route, which includes the non-electrifiable Müngstener Bridge – Germany’s highest railway bridge.
Enhanced comfort and accessibility
Each train offers 122 seats, including eight in first class, and features spacious multi-purpose areas with room for 12 bicycles. The trains are designed with passenger comfort in mind, including WiFi, USB ports, power sockets, and barrier-free access. A standout feature is Siemens’ high-frequency window technology, which improves mobile signal reception during journeys.
The interior layout includes wide gangways, quiet operation, and lighting designed to enhance the feeling of security. These features aim to create a more pleasant and inclusive travel experience for all passengers.
Efficient energy use
The trains’ batteries can be charged during motion and while stationary, using the existing rail infrastructure—avoiding the need for costly structural modifications. Equipped with advanced silicon carbide (SiC) technology, the Mireo Smart Plus B achieves reduced energy consumption and operating costs, improving both sustainability and economic efficiency.
Maintenance will be handled by Siemens Mobility under a full-service contract, which guarantees nearly 100% availability. Preventive and corrective maintenance will take place at the Siemens Rail Service Centre in Dortmund. Using digital monitoring tools from Siemens’ Railigent X platform, trains will be continuously assessed for performance and faults, enabling pre-emptive interventions to maintain operational reliability.
Strengthening the transport network
With VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) having recently become the majority shareholder in Regiobahn, the battery train project benefits from strong regional support. “Thanks to this participation, we have succeeded in procuring new, locally emission-free vehicles for operating the RE 47 line from Remscheid via Solingen to Düsseldorf,” said Alexandra Westerkamp, Chairwoman of Regiobahn’s Supervisory Board and Head of Department at VRR.
“For passengers, the transport between Bergisches Land and the state capital with the RE 47 is a great benefit. Travellers can travel directly to Düsseldorf without changing trains,” she added.
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