ÖBB and Siemens develop battery-powered train prototype. Credit: www.siemens.com/press.

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Siemens Mobility have unveiled the prototype of the Desiro ML Cityjet eco, a battery-powered train.

The train will be presented at the InnoTrans 2018 in Berlin this month, and is designed to operate on the non-electrified rail lines as an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Development of the prototype is driven by the initiative to enable eco-friendly rail operations as battery-powered units can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50% compared to diesel trains.

It is expected to be used in passenger services in the second half of next year following comprehensive testing.

ÖBB Personenverkehr management board member Evelyn Palla said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve our products and make them more environmentally friendly.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our products and make them more environmentally friendly.”

“As part of this quest, ÖBB will continue to focus on replacing diesel vehicles in the future. As Austria’s largest climate protection company, ÖBB is spearheading a further initiative in the fight against climate change with the Cityjet eco.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Under a pilot project, Siemens is currently testing a new technology to charge the train batteries through the pantograph on electrified rail lines.

When this train enters a non-electrified stretch, it will be powered by the batteries in the system for operations.

Procured from ÖBB’s Siemens Desiro ML fleet, the battery-powered train will be used for this pilot project.

The train features a battery system in the middle car. The overall system includes three battery containers, two DC/DC controllers, a battery cooler and associated electronic components.

The vehicle uses lithium-titanate batteries, which are negligibly affected by weather and climate conditions. These batteries are expected to have an operating life of around 15 years.