Design Unveiled for Siemens BEMUs Destined for Northern Westphalia

Nahverkehr Westfalen-Lippe (NWL), Rock Rail, and Siemens Mobility have revealed the design of the 61 new Mireo Plus B battery-powered trains destined for use on the Northern Westphalia network.

Financed and provided by Rock Rail, the trains will be manufactured by Siemens Mobility, and are scheduled to gradually replace the current diesel fleet from December 2029.

This order represents the largest modernisation of regional rail transport in East Westphalia-Lippe, as well as the Münsterland region, and, once complete, the fleet will be the second-largest battery-electric train fleet in Germany.

The new visual design forms a key part of a long-term, unified branding strategy for regional public transport in Westphalia-Lippe. Going forward, this consistent look will be extended to other passenger touchpoints in order to build greater public recognition and easier orientation for passengers.

For the first time, NWL is the sole commissioning authority for a vehicle fleet of this scale, a decision which has enabled the transport authority to develop a consistent design for the entire fleet. Previously, regional trains have taken on a look shaped by their respective rail operator, which may change over the course of a train’s service life. These new units, however, are now dedicated to long-term service in the region – regardless of operator.

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.

The fleet of two-car Mireo Plus B trains will be manufactured by Siemens, and the order represents one of the largest contracts for battery-powered regional trains in Germany. The Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU) trains charge their batteries along sections equipped with overhead lines and stored battery power, which allows them to operate on non-electrified sections of the network.

Each train is equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB charging ports, multipurpose areas, room for 18 bicycles and two wheelchairs, and step-free boarding.