Siemens Mireo Plus H for RRX, Germany: Rail Future, Insights

“The first Mireo Plus H hydrogen-powered train is now with NVR for the Rhine-Ruhr-Express, with maintenance at the Dortmund depot. Learn how this innovative fleet will transform rail travel!”

Siemens Mireo Plus H for RRX, Germany: Rail Future, Insights
March 13, 2017 7:26 pm
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Introduction

In December 2023, Siemens Mobility handed over the first of 43 Mireo Plus H multiple-unit trains to Nahverkehrsverbund Rheinland (NVR). These trains are designated for use on the Rhine-Ruhr-Express (RRX) network in Germany.

Train Delivery and Testing

The handover of the initial train took place at Siemens Mobility’s Krefeld plant. The new trains will undergo extensive testing before entering passenger service. These tests include static and dynamic trials, as well as approval runs. The first train is expected to begin passenger service in the second quarter of 2024.

RRX Fleet and Operation

The entire RRX fleet comprises 82 trains. Of these, 43 are Mireo Plus H trains, while the remaining 39 are Desiro HC trains. The Desiro HC trains were supplied by Siemens Mobility and were put into operation between 2018 and 2020. The RRX project is a collaborative effort involving various transport authorities in the Rhine-Ruhr region, including NVR, Zweckverband Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL), and Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR). The operational management is handled by DB Regio AG. The trains will run on five RRX lines, connecting cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and the surrounding areas.

Mireo Plus H Specifications

The Mireo Plus H trains feature a four-car configuration, offering 400 seats. They are equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell drive system and a lithium-ion battery. The trains have a maximum speed of 160 km/h and a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. The total order for the Mireo Plus H fleet has a value of approximately €500 million. This project is supported by the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport with funding of around €17 million.

Maintenance and Infrastructure

The maintenance of the Mireo Plus H trains will be carried out at the Rhine-Ruhr-Express depot in Dortmund. This facility will also serve as a center for hydrogen infrastructure. In addition to the Mireo Plus H trains, the Dortmund depot will also service the existing Desiro HC trains. The depot is designed to accommodate the entire RRX fleet.

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Last August 2018, we published an article about SNCF’s Avelia Horizon high-speed trains. Click here to read – SNCF’s Avelia Horizon: High-Speed Rail Advancements

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Conclusion

Siemens Mobility has delivered the first Mireo Plus H train to NVR for use on the RRX network. These trains will be tested and are expected to enter passenger service in the second quarter of 2024. The RRX project includes 82 trains, with the Mireo Plus H trains representing a significant part of the fleet. The trains will be maintained at the Dortmund depot.

Nahverkehrsverbund Rheinland (NVR)

Nahverkehrsverbund Rheinland (NVR) is a transport authority in the Rhine-Ruhr region of Germany. It is involved in the Rhine-Ruhr-Express (RRX) project, procuring and operating trains for the network. NVR collaborates with other regional transport authorities, such as Zweckverband Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL) and Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), in this endeavor.

Siemens Mobility

Siemens Mobility is a company that supplies rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the transport industry. They provided the Mireo Plus H and Desiro HC trains for the Rhine-Ruhr-Express (RRX) project. The company is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the trains.

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