📋 Tender Overview
Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL), Rock Rail, and Siemens Mobility have unveiled the design of the 61 new Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains for the Northern Westphalia network. The trains, financed and provided by Rock Rail, will be manufactured by Siemens Mobility and are scheduled to gradually replace the current diesel fleet starting in December 2029.
With an operating volume of around 7.1 million train kilometers per year, this order represents the largest modernization of regional rail transport in East Westphalia-Lippe and the Munsterland region. The fleet will be the second-largest battery-electric train fleet in Germany.
The new visual design is part of a long-term, unified branding strategy for regional public transport in Westphalia-Lippe. Moving forward, this consistent look will be extended to other passenger touchpoints, providing greater recognition and easier orientation for passengers.
A Consistent Identity Across Operator Changes
For the first time, NWL is the sole commissioning authority for a vehicle fleet of this scale. This has enabled the transport authority to develop a consistent design for the entire new fleet.
Until now, the appearance of regional trains has largely been shaped by the respective rail operator, which may change over a trains service life. The new trains for the Northern Westphalia network, however, are dedicated to long-term service in the region, regardless of which operator runs the lines.
Christiane Auffermann, Executive Director of NWL: As the transit authority, we want to view public transport much more through the eyes of our passengers. For us, that includes a reliable and familiar appearance - regardless of who operates the service. This advanced train fleet gives us the opportunity to make this commitment visible on such a scale for the first time.
Long-Term Investment in a Modern Fleet
Rock Rail is financing the 61 battery trains and providing them to NWL on a long-term basis for operation in the Northern Westphalia network. This ensures that the trains remain dedicated to the network and the region for many years, regardless of future operator changes.
Nick Watson, General Manager, Rock Rail Germany: We are proud to finance and deliver 61 Mireo Plus B trains for the Northern Westphalia network. Their new design gives the fleet a strong, distinctive identity, while battery-electric technology delivers quieter, locally emission-free mobility across the entire region. As a long-term rail vehicle financier, we are delighted to help provide a modern fleet that will serve passengers, neighboring towns and municipalities, and NWL for 30 years.
Major Fleet Order for Siemens Mobility
Siemens Mobility will manufacture the two-car Mireo Plus B trains. This order is among the largest contracts for battery-powered regional trains in Germany, underscoring the growing demand for alternative drive technologies in rail transport.
Andre Rodenbeck, Executive Vice President Rolling Stock, Siemens Mobility: The new battery-powered Mireo Plus B trains combine emission-free mobility with a high level of passenger comfort and a distinctive design for regional transport in Westphalia-Lippe. This significant order for our Mireo Plus B platform is an important contribution to the decarbonization of regional rail and the transition toward more sustainable mobility.
Locally Emission-Free with Enhanced Passenger Comfort
The new trains belong to the BEMU (Battery Electric Multiple Unit) category. These trains charge their batteries along sections equipped with overhead lines and stored battery power to operate on non-electrified sections of the network. Thanks to intelligent energy management systems, they operate locally emission-free and significantly quieter than conventional diesel multiple units. Energy generated during braking is also recovered and stored in the batteries, further increasing efficiency.
The new fleet will also offer passengers greater comfort. Features include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and USB charging ports, spacious multipurpose areas, room for 18 bicycles and two wheelchairs, as well as step-free boarding. Modern interior lighting and low noise levels further contribute to a pleasant travel experience.
