Battery Trains Enter Passenger Service in Western Denmark

Denmark has commissioned its first battery-powered passenger trains, as seven Mireo Plus B units supplied by Siemens Mobility enter regular service with Midtjyske Jernbaner on regional routes in West Jutland, replacing diesel traction.

First battery-powered trains in Denmark
On 19 December 2025, Denmark officially inaugurated its first battery-electric trains. The new fleet is operated by Midtjyske Jernbaner and supplied by Siemens Mobility. The trains will operate on the Holstebro–Skjern and Vemb–Lemvig–Thyborøn lines, which are partly non-electrified and previously served exclusively by diesel rolling stock.

The introduction of battery-powered multiple units represents a structural change in regional rail operations in Denmark, enabling zero local emissions and lower noise levels without requiring full route electrification.

Technical characteristics of the Mireo Plus B
The vehicles deployed are two-car Mireo Plus B trainsets designed for regional passenger services. Each unit offers seating for 127 passengers, a maximum operating speed of 140 km/h and a battery-only range of approximately 80 kilometres. The trains use a battery-hybrid drive concept, allowing operation both on electrified and non-electrified sections.

Charging takes place via the 25 kV overhead line on electrified parts of the network. On non-electrified routes, onboard batteries supply traction power, enabling fully CO₂-emission-free operation during service. This configuration makes the trains suitable for mixed-infrastructure networks common in regional rail systems.

Operational and passenger benefits
For Midtjyske Jernbaner, the deployment supports its objective of eliminating diesel traction and positioning itself as Denmark’s most environmentally oriented regional railway. The new trains also allow for higher service frequency and increased capacity compared to the previous diesel fleet.

From a passenger perspective, the Mireo Plus B units introduce modern onboard systems such as Wi-Fi and digital passenger information displays, along with improved ride comfort and reduced interior noise. The lightweight vehicle design and energy-efficient systems contribute to lower operational energy consumption over the service lifecycle.

Contribution to rail decarbonisation
The introduction of battery-electric trains is aligned with Denmark’s broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from public transport. Battery-powered rolling stock offers an alternative to diesel operation on routes where full electrification is not economically or technically feasible.

For Siemens Mobility, the project marks the first deployment of the Mireo Plus B platform outside Germany. The Mireo family is already established in regular service, with more than 295 trains in operation. The order from Midtjyske Jernbaner, placed in 2022, extends the platform’s application to international markets and demonstrates its suitability for regional networks undergoing decarbonisation.

Outlook
With the new fleet entering passenger service, West Jutland becomes the first region in Denmark to operate battery-powered trains in regular operation. The project provides a reference for further fleet renewals on non-electrified lines and illustrates how battery-electric traction can support the transition toward low-emission regional rail transport without extensive infrastructure modifications.

www.siemens.com