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Feature25 October 2016,
updated25 October 2016Siemens AG / Siemens Mobility GmbHMunich
The Velaro D is the fourth generation of high-speed trains that Siemens has developed on the basis of the Velaro platform. Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) classifies the train as the new Series 407 ICE 3 (predecessors: Series 403 and Series 406 ICE 3). In December 2013, Germany's Federal Railway Authority (EBA) approved the trains' operation – also in multiple-unit or so-called double-traction mode – on the Deutsche Bahn rail network. Passenger operation started on December 21, 2013.
Authorization for operation in single-traction mode in France was granted in April 2015. Since June 2015 the trains have been travelling to Paris in regular passenger operation. In addition to Germany and France, the Velaro D is also intended for cross-border operation in Belgium.
Since 2007, trains based on the Velaro platform have operated with high reliability for more than one billion kilometers in China, Russia, Spain and Turkey – equal to roughly 25,000 times around the globe.
Authorization for operation in single-traction mode in France was granted in April 2015. Since June 2015 the trains have been travelling to Paris in regular passenger operation. In addition to Germany and France, the Velaro D is also intended for cross-border operation in Belgium.
Since 2007, trains based on the Velaro platform have operated with high reliability for more than one billion kilometers in China, Russia, Spain and Turkey – equal to roughly 25,000 times around the globe.
Press Pictures
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
To date, the new train for German operator Deutsche Bahn has covered over 400,000 kilometers in test and licensing runs. Siemens is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-speed trains. Velaro is one of the most reliable trains in all the countries in which it is deployed (26 trains in operation in Spain, 400 in China, eight in Russia, with eight more under construction). Velaro trains have already traveled over 150 million operational kilometers without a significant technical failure. In Spain and Russia, Siemens is also responsible for Velaro maintenance.
Modern, comfortable interior
To assist visually impaired passengers, signs, seat numbers and car numbers in the train interior are provided in Braille. In addition, aisle seats have a handgrip on the aisle seatback to provide passengers with a firm hold when moving through the train.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
The Velaro D at Berlin Central Station: In December 2013, the trains were awarded certification for domestic journeys in Germany in coupled operation. Since then, the first trains have been successfully operating on the Cologne-Frankfurt (Main)-Stuttgart connection. In all, trains based on the Velaro platform have up to now covered more than 500 million kilometers in China, Russia and Spain – a distance equivalent to traveling 12,500 times around the earth.
Eight new ICE 3 trains delivered to Deutsche Bahn
Eight of the new ICE 3 trains planned for deployment in the German rail system were delivered to Deutsche Bahn (DB) by the end of March. "I'm pleased that the advanced ICE trains are now being put on the tracks. The new trains are strengthening the fleet of Deutsche Bahn and benefiting all rail travelers," noted Alexander Dobrindt, German Transport Minister.
New trains in operation
The new trains have gone into operation on the Cologne-Frankfurt (Main)-Stuttgart route successively since the end of December 2013. "This has enabled us to substantially reduce vehicle bottlenecks which have been occurring for years due to the tenfold increase in the frequency of axle tests which was introduced in 2009," said Deutsche Bahn Chairman and CEO Dr. Rüdiger Grube. "For our customers, this means more reliability and greater punctuality."
Eight new ICE 3 trains delivered to Deutsche Bahn
Jochen Eickholt (CEO of Siemens' Rail Systems Division), Alexander Dobrindt (German Transport Minister) and Rüdiger Grube (Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Bahn) present the new ICE 3 train to the public at Berlin Central Station (from left to right).
Eight Velaro D trains delivered to Deutsche Bahn
Eight of the new ICE 3 trains planned for deployment in the German rail system were delivered to Deutsche Bahn (DB) by the end of March. To mark the occasion, Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens' Rail Systems Division, presented DB Chairman and CEO Rüdger Grube, German Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt and Heike Hanagarth (from left to right), DB Board member Technology with a model of the new ICE 3 at Berlin Central Station.
Eight Velaro D trains delivered to Deutsche Bahn
"We're very pleased that all the trains planned for domestic service have now arrived at Deutsche Bahn. We've reached an important milestone for the project," said Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens' Rail Systems Division.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
A fully assembled Siemens high-speed Velaro D train during a trial run at the testing center in Wegberg-Wildenrath (PCW).
To date, the new train for German operator Deutsche Bahn has covered over 400,000 kilometers in test and licensing runs. Siemens is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-speed trains. Velaro is one of the most reliable trains in all the countries in which it is deployed (26 trains in operation in Spain, 240 in China, eight in Russia, with eight more under construction). Velaro trains have already traveled over 150 million operational kilometers without a significant technical failure. In Spain and Russia, Siemens is also responsible for Velaro maintenance.
To date, the new train for German operator Deutsche Bahn has covered over 400,000 kilometers in test and licensing runs. Siemens is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-speed trains. Velaro is one of the most reliable trains in all the countries in which it is deployed (26 trains in operation in Spain, 240 in China, eight in Russia, with eight more under construction). Velaro trains have already traveled over 150 million operational kilometers without a significant technical failure. In Spain and Russia, Siemens is also responsible for Velaro maintenance.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
Three fully assembled Siemens high-speed Velaro D trains at the testing center in Wegberg-Wildenrath (PCW).
To date, the new train for German operator Deutsche Bahn has covered over 400,000 kilometers in test and licensing runs. Siemens is one of the world‘s leading manufacturers of high-speed trains. Velaro is one of the most reliable trains in all the countries in which it is deployed (26 trains in operation in Spain, 240 in China, eight in Russia, with eight more under construction). Velaro trains have already traveled over 150 million operational kilometers without a significant technical failure. In Spain and Russia, Siemens is also responsible for Velaro maintenance.
To date, the new train for German operator Deutsche Bahn has covered over 400,000 kilometers in test and licensing runs. Siemens is one of the world‘s leading manufacturers of high-speed trains. Velaro is one of the most reliable trains in all the countries in which it is deployed (26 trains in operation in Spain, 240 in China, eight in Russia, with eight more under construction). Velaro trains have already traveled over 150 million operational kilometers without a significant technical failure. In Spain and Russia, Siemens is also responsible for Velaro maintenance.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
In December 2013, the trains were awarded certification for domestic journeys in Germany in coupled operation. Since then, the first four ICE trains have been successfully operating on the Cologne-Frankfurt (Main)-Stuttgart connection. In all, trains based on the Velaro platform have up to now covered more than 500 million kilometers in China, Russia and Spain – a distance equivalent to traveling 12,500 times around the earth.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
Like its predecessor, the new ICE 3 is composed of eight coaches, but offers more space with a total of 444 seats. With a rated traction power of 8,000 kilowatts (about 11,000 HP), it operates in Germany at up to 300 kilometers per hour.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
Dr. Jürgen Wilder (left), CEO of the Siemens High-Speed and Commuter Rail Business Unit and Andreas Busemann (right), Head of Production at DB Bahn Long Distance, presented Deutsche Bahn's new ICE 3 on a presentation run on the Frankfurt (Main) – Cologne line in February 2014.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
The Velaro D incorporates a large number of improvements, especially for passengers with reduced mobility. It's the first DB high-speed train to be fitted with a lift for wheelchair users on each side of the train, enabling them to board and alight without assistance. Also, thanks to wide entrances and aisles, passengers with reduced mobility can easily reach their seats and the bistro.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
The Velaro D in passenger service (Frankfurt am Main central station): In December 2013, the trains were awarded certification for domestic journeys in Germany in coupled operation. Since then, the first ICE trains have been successfully operating on the Cologne-Frankfurt (Main)-Stuttgart connection. In all, trains based on the Velaro platform have up to now covered more than 500 million kilometers in China, Russia and Spain – a distance equivalent to traveling 12,500 times around the earth.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
Aisle seats have a handgrip on the aisle seat back to provide passengers with a firm hold when moving through the train.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
A tactile floor guidance system as well as indicators and seat and coach numbers in Braille help partially sighted and blind passengers to find their way in the train.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
The Velaro D differs from its predecessors primarily through a number of improvements in comfort and service for passengers. For example, ceiling-mounted monitors inform passengers in all classes via GPS about the progress of the journey.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
Thanks to an intelligent energy management system, all train systems in the Velaro D are operated extremely energy-efficiently. That translates into a reduction in CO2 emission to 14 grams per passenger-kilometer. By comparison, the average CO2 emission of an aircraft is ten times higher.
The braking system in the new ICE 3 (407 series) also functions energy-efficiently, with electric brakes recuperating braking energy into the power grid. This saves about ten percent of energy and reduces mechanical wear and tear.
The braking system in the new ICE 3 (407 series) also functions energy-efficiently, with electric brakes recuperating braking energy into the power grid. This saves about ten percent of energy and reduces mechanical wear and tear.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
Thanks to innovative fixture elements, interior fittings in the Velaro D can be changed quickly and flexibly. For example, baggage racks or facing seat arrangements with tables can even be added overnight.
The latest ICE 3 generation: The Velaro D
In order to reduce energy consumption, the aerodynamic characteristics of the Velaro D have been further optimized – through a new design of the front end, cladding for roof-mounted equipment and optimization measures in the area of the bogies and intercoach gangways. Air resistance is reduced by a total of about 20 percent compared with the predecessor model.
Further Information
Documents
- Factsheet: Velaro D
- Technical Datasheet: Velaro D
- Brochure: Velaro – Top performance for high-speed.
- Professional article: Velaro – customer oriented further development of a high-speed train (ZEVrail – Volume 133, Issue 10, October 2009)
- Study: The United State Conference of Majors – The Economic Impacts of High-Speed Rail on Cities and their Metropolitan Areas