We have set ambitious climate protection targets for ourselves at Deutsche Bahn. We want to be climate-neutral by 2040. To this end, we are working on innovative solutions for alternative drive systems in order to phase out diesel traffic. One of these solutions involves testing modern battery trains.
Full power even without an overhead line
These battery trains, or battery electric multiple units (BEMU), enable green, electric train transport even on lines without a continuous overhead contact line. The electric multiple units essentially have a rechargeable battery on board. On sections with overhead lines, the batteries are charged via the pantograph. This makes it possible for trains to continue travel on non-electrified routes, which are otherwise only able to accommodate diesel vehicles. And thanks to renewable power, the new battery electric multiple units can even operate with zero local emissions.
Charging islands
On long routes, we will provide the necessary charging infrastructure with overhead line charging "islands" to ensure that the battery electric multiple units always have enough power. They will be used in areas where batteries need to be recharged but there isn't currently an overhead line. The islands will allow trains to recharge their batteries during the journey. Batteries can also be recharged at stationary charging facilities, for example at storage sidings when trains are not in use. Our energy service provider, DB Energie, and DB Netz are designing, building and operating this charging infrastructure.
Island hopping in Schleswig-Holstein
In Schleswig-Holstein, DB InfraGO and DB Energie have completed the supply infrastructure for the world's first major network for battery-powered trains in local rail passenger transport on behalf of the state. Climate-friendly battery-powered multiple units now run on around 450 km of track instead of diesel railcars. The charging infrastructure includes the (short) extension of existing overhead lines in two sections, the electrification of platform lines and, for the first time, the construction of electrification island systems at three stations. Additional islands are planned in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate.
Pilot project in Annaberg-Buchholz
Together with cooperation partners from industry and science, DB Energie GmbH has set up an innovative and mobile charging infrastructure for battery EMUs in Annaberg-Buchholz, Saxony. We will be testing the system there under real operating conditions until summer 2025.
Battery train fleet replaces diesel locomotives
From December 2025, DB Regio will also be using a fleet of battery electric multiple units in regular operation on the Palatinate route network for the first time. Thanks to the rechargeable batteries and the use of renewable power, we will save several million liters of fuel per year compared to today's diesel railcars in the Western and Southern Palatinate. The modern vehicles also offer more space and comfort for passengers.
