INNOTRANS: ‘Destination Digital’ is Siemens Mobility’s slogan for InnoTrans, where it will be focusing on four themes: life-cycle cost optimised rail infrastructure & rolling stock; 100% system availability; maximised network capacity; and optimised customer experience & processes.
A major focus will be on Xcelerator, an open digital business platform developed by Siemens AG to connect the real and digital worlds and create a ecosystem of partners who can jointly accelerate digital transformation and sustainability.
- Read Railway Gazette International’s in-depth article on Siemens Mobility’s digital strategy.
Rolling stock
Siemens Mobility will also be showing rolling stock on the outdoor tracks.
Up and down on an EMU
The Desiro High Capacity EMU for use by Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn on Elbe-Spree services has two powered single-deck end cars and two double-decker intermediate trailer cars. It features wi-fi and power sockets throughout, TFT monitors, real-time occupancy displays and specially coated windows for improved mobile phone reception.
Hydrogen power
Rolled out in May as part of the H2goesRail project, the Mireo Plus H multiple-unit uses a hydrogen fuel cell drive and a lithium-ion battery for traction power and regenerative braking. It is being tested by Deutsche Bahn and Siemens Mobility as a complete system including the train and a newly designed filling station.
Full features in two modes
The Vectron Dual Mode combines a ‘full-featured’ diesel locomotive with those of electric traction to enable operators to respond flexibly to changing route requirements.
This is the Vectron crossing the border
The Vectron MS locomotive with a maximum operating speed of 230 km/h is suitable for fast cross-border passenger operations on both conventional and high speed lines.
X marks the spot
The Austrian capital’s transport operator Wiener Linien has ordered 34 six-car lightweight Series X metro trains, featuring step-free walk-through interiors, air-conditioning and CCTV. They are expected to enter service on lines U1 to U4 from this year, with automated operation on the future line U5 planned from about 2026.
Nürnberg tram
Nürnberg transport operator VAG has ordered Avenio trams for entry into service this year. The four-section 100% low-floor trams will be 36·9 m long, 2 300 mm wide and 3 550 mm high with six double doors. They will be equipped with LED lighting, multi-function spaces, regenerative braking and wi-fi, with spacious boarding areas and wide passageways.
Electrifying the highways
Siemens Mobility will also be showing its eHighway technology, a dynamic charging system that supplies heavy-duty lorries with electricity from an overhead line via a pantograph. A trailer will be used at InnoTrans to showcase Siemens Mobility’s digital Rail Infrastructure business.
