Bavaria Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Train for Regular Service
The Mireo Plus H will begin replacing diesel trains in December as part of a test to explore sustainable alternatives for non-electrified rail routes.
- Bavaria's first hydrogen-powered train, the Mireo Plus H, will start regular operations on December 15, 2024.
- The train will operate on routes between Augsburg, Füssen, and Peißenberg, replacing diesel locomotives for a trial period of two and a half years.
- This initiative is part of Bavaria's plan to phase out diesel trains by 2040, prioritizing route electrification and battery-powered trains where feasible.
- The pilot project, led by Siemens, is intended to assess the viability of hydrogen trains on non-electrified rail lines.
- Initial plans for hydrogen train tests in Bavaria began in 2020, with earlier trials conducted using a model from the French manufacturer Alstom.