GERMANY: Siemens Mobility has unveiled the Mireo Smart Plus B battery-electric multiple-units which will enable locally emission-free operation on Regiobahn’s Düssel-Wupper-Express service RE47 from Remscheid-Lennep to Solingen and Düsseldorf. This crosses the Müngstener Bridge, the highest railway bridge in Germany at 107 m.
The three two-car multiple-units scheduled to enter service in summer 2026 are being supplied to Regiobahn though Siemens Mobility’s Smart Train Lease subsidiary, which the manufacturer said has enabled quick and efficient procurement. ‘Thanks to the intelligent vehicle platform, we can provide these particularly powerful and comfortable battery trains in record time’, said Smart Train Lease CEO Benjamin Dobernecker on July 17. The BEMUs will be maintained by Siemens Mobility in Dortmund under a full-service contract.
They will have a range of up to 120 km on battery power and a maximum speed of 140 km/h using either battery power or overhead electrification. The batteries can be charged while moving or stationary without needing additional charging facilities.
The trains have 122 seats, including eight in first class, spacious multi-purpose areas with space for 12 bicycles, wi-fi, power sockets, USB charging ports and windows designed for good mobile phone reception.
Service RE47 is currently being replaced by buses until summer 2026 because of a maintenance backlog with the diesel multiple-unit fleet.
‘The Mireo Smart BEMU trains are the right solution in terms of availability, comfort and emission-free mobility, and our employees will receive a modern working environment’, said Regiobahn Managing Director Götz Nink. ‘After three years of painful use of rail replacement services, we are confident in offering an attractive connection between Remscheid and Düsseldorf. The battery-electric Mireo Smart is perfect for the challenging route with the non-electrifiable Müngstener Bridge.’
