Südostbayernbahn and Siemens launch new hydrogen train
Quiet, clean, hydrogen – these are the trio of characteristics that best describe the first hydrogen train for regional operation in Bavaria, unveiled by Südostbayernbahn (SOB) and Siemens Mobility, together with representatives from federal and state politics.
At the official presentation in Mühldorf, the Siemens Mireo Pls H was ceremonially added to the SOB fleet. It is currently undergoing test and training journeys, and from December 2026, passengers will be able to benefit from the three accessible, modern and locally emission-free trains on the Mühldorf-Burghausen route.
The three hydrogen trains are being put into operation as part of the ‘Linienstern Mühldorf 2025+’ transport contract. The Bavarian Railway Company (Bayerische Eisenbahngesellschaft (BEG)), which plans, finances and controls rail passenger transport on behalf of the Bavarian state, specified the terms of their operation. Siemens Mobility is supplying the three Mireo Plus hydrogen trains to Südostbayernbahn.
Christoph Kraller, Deutsche Bahn’s Group Representative for the Free State of Bavaria, said:
With the first hydrogen train in regional operation we are showing how transitioning away from diesel for rail transport can succeed
Together with our partners, we are advancing the climate-friendly transport transition. Not only do these trains save CO2 – they are also quieter than conventional diesel trains. This benefits not only the environment, but passengers and residents too.”
Ulrich Lange, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Transport, said:
The Federal Ministry of Transport supports in a targeted way innovative drive technologies in order to bring climate-friendly mobility into practice more quickly.
”The hydrogen trains now going into operation are a success model for injecting innovation into regular operation. What began with the funding project: ‘H2goesRail’, will now be part of everyday life for local people – a modern, climate-friendly and reliable train connection. The BMV is supporting Südostbayernbahn in procuring trains, refuelling infrastructure and an electrolyser in the amount of 8.2 million euros. Many thanks to all participants for their groundbreaking work!”
Christian Bernreiter, Bavarian State Minister for Housing, Construction and Transport, said:
Südostbayernbahn is making railway history at its central rail hub.
”The Bavarian state government has decided to end diesel operation in Bavarian passenger rail transport by 2040. In addition to the electrification of routes and the deployment of battery trains, hydrogen trains represent another piece of the transport puzzle and is ideal for use on the route from Munich to Burghausen, in the so-called chemical triangle. I am confident that these trains that are made in Bavaria can be reliably deployed on this route and I wish all passengers a wonderful train experience aboard the hydrogen train.”
The Siemens Mireo Plus H operates with zero local emissions and is a climate-friendly alternative to diesel, particularly for non-electrified routes. Hydrogen is supplied through a newly-built DB Energie refuelling station in Mühldorf that operates with 100 per cent green electricity.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) under the ‘Guideline on funding of alternative drives in rail transport’, the procurement of hydrogen trains is funded in the amount of 4.4 million euros, construction of refuelling station infrastructure in the amount of 3.8 million euros. Funding for this initiative is also provided as part of the German Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP) through the European Recovery and Resilience Facility (ARF) under the NextGenerationEU program. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Agency Jülich (PtJ).
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Südostbayernbahn and Siemens launch new hydrogen train, source
