THE state of Baden-Württemberg has ordered three battery-electric two-car Mireo Plus B trains from Siemens Mobility, which will operate on the new Hermann Hesse railway between Renningen and Calw from 2023.

The trains have been ordered as an option from an order for 20 Mireo Plus B trains for the Ortenau network placed in 2020. Under the contract, Siemens will also maintain the trains throughout their full service life.

The Mireo Plus B has a range of around 80km in battery mode in commercial service. The batteries can be charged via the catenary while operating along electrified sections and through regenerative braking. The lithium-ion batteries are mounted underfloor in two battery compartments.

The trains, which operate under 15kV ac electrification, have a maximum speed of 140km/h, a traction output of 1.7MW, and a starting acceleration of up to 1.1 m/s2. Each train seats 120 passengers and is equipped with ETCS Level 2.