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Press Release16 December 2025Siemens AGMunich
Rock Rail and Siemens to Deliver 61 Innovative Battery-Powered Trains for the Northern Westphalia Network
The Zweckverband
Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL) is sending a clear signal for the mobility
transition and is investing heavily in the future of regional rail transport: A
total of 61 state-of-the-art Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains from Siemens
Mobility will be deployed on the routes of the Northern Westphalia Network
(NNW) starting in December 2029. The financing and provision of the vehicles
will be carried out via an innovative leasing model by Rock Rail NnW GmbH &
Co. KG. This order marks the largest modernization step for regional passenger
rail transport in the region and will form the second largest fleet of batterie
trains in Germany.
Mark Swindell, CEO
of Rock Rail: "This
project is an excellent example of how innovative financing models can
accelerate the introduction of state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly rail
technology. We are delighted about the partnership with NWL and Siemens
Mobility and look forward to making a significant contribution as a long-term
lessor to the sustainable transformation of regional transport in North
Rhine-Westphalia. It is further proof of our commitment to enabling green
mobility solutions."
Michael Peter, CEO
of Siemens Mobility, comments:
“We are delighted to be driving forward the decarbonization of rail transport
in Westphalia with our innovative Mireo Plus B battery trains. The order
underscores our leading role in alternative drive systems and demonstrates how
we create sustainable solutions with state-of-the-art technology. Together with
Rock Rail, we are enabling NWL to offer passengers an environmentally friendly
and comfortable travel experience.”
Christiane
Auffermann, NWL Managing Director: "Locally emission-free, alternatively powered vehicles are the
future of local rail transport. Especially in rural regions like
Westphalia-Lippe, battery-powered trains offer ideal technological
prerequisites to bridge sections of track without existing overhead lines in a
climate-friendly manner. With the deployment of the 61 Siemens vehicles, the
second-largest BEMU fleet in Germany will operate in the NWL area – setting new
standards for sustainability in regional transport.
Locally
Emission-Free Mobility
The new trains belong
to the latest vehicle category BEMU (Battery Electric Multiple Unit). These
vehicles charge their batteries on electrified lines and bridge non-electrified
sections using stored energy. Thanks to intelligent energy management systems,
they operate locally emission-free, are particularly energy-efficient, and
significantly quieter than conventional diesel railcars. Additionally, energy
is recovered during breaking and fed back into the batteries, further
increasing efficiency.
More Comfort and
Sustainability for Passengers
In addition to their
powerful and energy-saving drive system, the two-car Mireo Plus B trains are
characterized by a car length of 25 meters and a design with four doors per
train side. This increases the number of seats and enables quick passenger
changes. The interior is generously designed and offers space for two
wheelchair users and 18 bicycles.
With sustainable
material selection and a recyclability rate of more than 90%, the vehicles
combine environmental friendliness, comfort, and future-oriented design. For
passengers, the battery-powered multiple units offer noticeably more amenities:
Wi-Fi in all trains, numerous power outlets and USB charging ports, comfort
lighting, comfortable seats, a low noise level, and step-free access for quick
and barrier-free entry ensure a significant improvement in rail services in
East Westphalia-Lippe and Münsterland.
With an annual service
volume of approximately 7.1 million train kilometers and a planned operating
period of at least 15 years, the NWL is sending a strong signal for the
mobility transition. The commissioning of what is currently Germany's
second-largest BEMU fleet is a forward-looking investment in sustainability, an
attractive mobility offering, and state-of-the-art technology.
For this press release
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, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility