Siemens Mobility and the UK rolling-stock lessor Rock Rail have won a tender to supply trains for the “Northern Westphalia” network in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, as stated in a Siemens Mobility press release.

Supply of battery electric Mireo Plus B trains: Siemens deal
Photo: Siemens Mobility

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The supply of battery electric Mireo Plus B trains covers 61 two-car contact-and-battery multiple units, with entry into service planned for December 2029.

The procurement is structured as a leasing model: Rock Rail will purchase the trains and then place them on long-term lease with the authorities in Westphalia-Lippe—also reflected in a Westphalia-Lippe authority update. After 15 years, the region will have the right to terminate the contract.

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The estimated service life of Mireo Plus B is around 30 years. Westphalia-Lippe’s authorities plan to use Siemens contact-and-battery electric trains to fully replace the diesel rolling stock currently used on the “Northern Westphalia” network.

Supply of battery electric Mireo Plus B trains: key specifications

Each Mireo Plus B set consists of two 25-metre cars. In battery mode, the stated range is from 80 km, using Toshiba lithium-titanate batteries. The trains are also equipped with regenerative braking. Maximum speed is 160 km/h when operating from the overhead line and 140 km/h when running on batteries. The version for Westphalia-Lippe will have four doors on each side, and floor height matches platform height at 760 mm.

Siemens Mireo Plus B: earlier orders and operation

The contact-and-battery version of the Mireo platform was first ordered in 2020 by the authorities of the German state of Baden-Württemberg; the model entered commercial service in April 2024.

To date, the only overseas customer for Mireo Plus B is Danish operator Midtjyske Jernbaner, which placed an order in 2022. Some details of the leasing setup are also described by Railway Gazette International.

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