Regiobahn to Launch Battery‑Electric Trains on RE 47 Route in 2026

Regiobahn to Launch Battery‑Electric Trains on RE 47 Route in 2026

(IN BRIEF) Regiobahn will introduce three Mireo Smart Plus B battery trains on the RE 47 line in summer 2026, replacing diesel units with emission‑free two‑car sets capable of 120 km ranges and 140 km/h speeds. These trains recharge under existing overhead lines or during stops, require no new infrastructure, and feature modern passenger comforts like Wi‑Fi, USB ports, and barrier‑free access. Delivered swiftly via Smart Train Lease, they exemplify North Rhine‑Westphalia’s drive toward climate‑neutral regional transport, supported by full‑service maintenance from Siemens Mobility’s Railigent X platform.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 17-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — North Rhine‑Westphalia is on the brink of a greener era in regional rail travel. Today at Siemens Mobility’s Wegberg‑Wildenrath test centre, Regiobahn unveiled its first Mireo Smart Plus B battery‑electric trains—three two‑car units that will run emission‑free on the RE 47 corridor between Remscheid‑Lennep and Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof beginning summer 2026. Developed in partnership with Smart Train Lease, these battery multiple units (BEMUs) boast a 120 km range, 140 km/h top speed, and swift delivery through modular, standardized design.

Replacing diesel traction, the new trains cut local emissions almost entirely while delivering enhanced passenger amenities: 122 seats plus an eight‑seat first‑class section, dedicated bicycle spaces, barrier‑free access, onboard Wi‑Fi, USB and power outlets, and Siemens Mobility’s high‑frequency window system for improved mobile reception. The battery packs recharge automatically under overhead lines or during station stops—eliminating costly infrastructure upgrades—and leverage silicon‑carbide technology for ultra‑low energy consumption and reduced operating expenses.

“It’s a landmark step for reliable, low‑carbon mobility on the often‑challenging RE 47 route, including the non‑electrifiable Müngstener Bridge,” said Götz Nink, Managing Director of Regiobahn. “Our passengers will enjoy a seamless, direct link from Bergisches Land to Düsseldorf with modern comfort and minimal environmental impact.”

Benjamin Dobernecker, CEO of Smart Train Lease, added, “By deploying the ready‑to‑go Mireo Smart BEMUs, we’ve demonstrated how quickly and efficiently battery‑powered solutions can scale—meeting NRW’s climate targets with state‑of‑the‑art rolling stock.” Alexandra Westerkamp, Chair of Regiobahn’s Supervisory Board and head of VRR’s transport department, noted, “VRR’s majority stake in Regiobahn has enabled this swift vehicle renewal, delivering tangible benefits to commuters without the need for line electrification.”

Under a full‑service contract with Siemens Mobility, maintenance and predictive diagnostics will be performed at the Dortmund Rail Service Centre, ensuring nearly 100 percent daily availability via the Railigent X digital platform. The battery trains join Rhenish efforts to slash CO₂ emissions in public transport and underline the region’s commitment to innovative, sustainable mobility.

Since 1980, the Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR) has been organizing local public transport in the Rhine-Ruhr region and ensuring mobility for 7.8 million residents. As one of Europe’s largest transport associations, we ensure demand-led and economical local transport. Together with 16 cities, 7 districts, 33 transport companies, and 7 railway companies, we develop mobility solutions for people living along the Rhine, Ruhr, and Wupper rivers.

Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €11.4 billion and employed around 41,900 people worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility

Media Contacts:

Silke Thomson-Pottebohm
Siemens Mobility
+49 174 305 3307
Thomson-Pottebohm@siemens.com

Sabine Hovermann
Regiobahn
+49 174 305 3307
Sabine.Hovermann@regio-bahn.de

Sabine Tkatzik
VRR
+49 209 1584421
presse@vrr.de

SOURCE: Siemens