The first railway in Lemvig, Denmark, ran in 1879. In 2008, the Midtjyske Jernbaner was formed from the merger of the Odderbanen and Lemvigbanen lines. The rolling stock was no longer state-of-the-art, and this is now being rectified with hybrid trains that will soon replace diesel trains throughout the country.
Siemens Mobility has announced an order for seven battery-powered Mireo Plus B trains to Denmark, a hybrid platform that can operate with or without overhead lines. This is the first order for battery-powered rail vehicles in Denmark and part of a pilot project to replace all diesel multiple units in the country. The seven two-car electric multiple units will be delivered by the end of 2024 and will operate on two lines in the Midtjylland (Jutland) region of Denmark.
“The battery-powered trains are expected to be put into operation at the end of 2024. This is a crucial step in our own green transformation, but also an important step towards the goal of CO2-neutral rail transport throughout Denmark,” says Martha Vrist, CEO of Midtjyske Jernbaner Drift A/S.
“With this acquisition, Midtjyske Jernbaner is replacing conventional diesel vehicles with state-of-the-art, locally emission-free trains. This environmentally friendly mobility option is an important contribution to the region,” says Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.
The two-car Mireo Plus B multiple units offer 120 seats, reach speeds of up to 140 km/h, and have a battery range of approximately 80 kilometers. The batteries can be charged via the 25 kV overhead line in electrified sections and through regenerative braking. The battery system is mounted under the floor and housed in two battery containers. Long-life lithium-ion batteries are used.
This is the third order Siemens Mobility has received for the Mireo Plus B, and the first outside of Germany. The Baden-Württemberg State Agency for Rail Vehicles (SFBW) ordered 20 in 2020, and the Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn (NEB) ordered 31 Mireo Plus B trains in 2021. The technology underwent extensive testing for over a year in a preliminary version on a prototype train, the Desiro ML ÖBB Cityjet eco in Austria.
