Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) has concluded a partnership with Siemens Mobility for the development of long-distance rail transport. In developing the concept for the future ICE, Siemens Mobility based on its experience as a leader in single-deck high-speed trains, while Deutsche Bahn contributed its experience as an operator. The two companies will work together in the first half of 2023 to develop their vision of a next-generation high-speed train. A further tender for the development, construction, and certification of the new rolling stock is expected to follow in the second half of 2023.
“We are especially pleased that Siemens Mobility is one of two competing suppliers to be commissioned to develop a new concept for high-speed trains. This will give us the opportunity to continue our long-standing partnership with Deutsche Bahn. Even the form of cooperation is forward-looking: Rather than delivering a specific catalog of requirements, the most important features of the new generation of ICE trains will be developed in close cooperation with the customer,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.
The new generation of trains will help make rail travel even more attractive, convenient, and comfortable and also aim to double the number of passengers using long-distance rail transport by 2030. DB is relying on single-deck trains that are a maximum of 400 meters long, have a seating capacity of around 950 seats, and have a maximum speed of at least 300 km/h. In addition to increased passenger comfort, the new trains are also expected to set new standards in energy efficiency and technical availability.
