Zweckverband Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe Orders 61 Siemens Mobility Battery Trains
The Zweckverband Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL) is making a major investment in the future of regional rail, with plans to introduce 61 state-of-the-art Mireo Plus B battery trains from Siemens Mobility across the Northern Westphalia Network (NNW) from December 2029. The vehicles will be financed and leased through Rock Rail NnW GmbH & Co. KG, marking the region’s largest step toward modernizing passenger rail and creating Germany’s second-largest fleet of battery-electric multiple units (BEMU).
The new two-car Mireo Plus B trains combine high performance with sustainability. They charge on electrified lines and use stored energy to cover non-electrified sections, operating locally emission-free with reduced noise levels. Regenerative braking feeds energy back into the batteries, improving efficiency even further.
Each train measures 25 meters per car and features four doors per side, allowing faster passenger flow. The interior is spacious, accommodating two wheelchair users and up to 18 bicycles. Designed with sustainability in mind, the trains use environmentally friendly materials with over 90% recyclability, while offering modern passenger amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging points, comfort lighting, step-free access, and quiet, comfortable seating.
Mark Swindell, CEO of Rock Rail, said:
"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."
With a planned operating period of at least 15 years and an annual service volume of roughly 7.1 million train kilometers, the fleet is set to strengthen sustainable mobility across East Westphalia-Lippe and Münsterland.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, commented:
“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, added:
"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.”
Image: Siemens