Denmark Introduces Siemens Battery Trains to Replace Diesel Fleet

Denmark has taken a significant step towards sustainable public transportation by deploying new battery-powered trains from Siemens on its regional rail network. The Danish railway company Midtjyske Jernbaner has initiated service with the Mireo Plus B battery-electric trains, moving to phase out older diesel-powered models and reduce the carbon footprint of regional rail services.

The new Siemens Mireo Plus B trains are now operational on routes connecting Holstebro to Skjern and Vemb via Lemvig to Thyborøn in northwest Jutland. These routes, located on the Danish mainland, were previously serviced by traditional diesel trains. The transition to battery-powered rolling stock is part of a broader national strategy to decarbonize Denmark's transportation sector and advance its environmental commitments.

The Mireo Plus B is based on Siemens' established Mireo platform but features integrated battery systems. These batteries are recharged via overhead lines on electrified sections of the track. When the trains enter non-electrified stretches, the stored energy powers the train, ensuring continuous, emission-free operation across the entire route. This dual-mode capability provides a practical solution for regions with mixed rail infrastructure, enabling the gradual replacement of diesel trains without requiring immediate full network electrification.

Each two-car set used by Midtjyske Jernbaner accommodates 127 passengers and offers a range of approximately 80 kilometers on battery power alone. A three-car configuration extends the range up to 120 kilometers, allowing for flexible deployment across varying route lengths. Siemens has recently announced plans to manufacture the batteries for these trains in-house, with a dedicated production facility currently under construction in Bavaria, Germany. This move is expected to streamline supply chains and enhance technological control over the energy storage systems central to these trains.

In addition to battery-electric models, Siemens also offers a hydrogen fuel cell version, the Mireo Plus H, for longer non-electrified routes. The hydrogen-powered variant achieves ranges up to 800 kilometers in a two-car setup and 1,000 kilometers with three cars, providing further sustainable alternatives for operators with extensive service areas.

Midtjyske Jernbaner has placed an order for seven battery-electric regional trains, marking the first international order for these Siemens units. The Danish deployment complements similar initiatives in Germany, where Mireo Plus B trains are already in use in regions such as Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate. With these steps, Denmark joins a growing list of European countries leveraging advanced battery and hydrogen technologies to modernize rail transport and meet emissions reduction targets.

The adoption of battery trains is not only expected to improve environmental performance but also to enhance operational efficiency and passenger comfort. As technology and infrastructure evolve, more routes across Denmark and Europe are likely to transition to these next-generation trains, supporting national and continental ambitions for greener mobility solutions.