Rock Rail to finance 61 Siemens battery trains for Westphalia
Germany’s second-largest battery train order has been secured, with Rock Rail financing 61 Siemens Mireo Plus B units for northern Westphalia. The unusual structure sees trains procured before an operator is selected, underlining both lengthy procurement timelines and growing investor confidence in battery technology.
Rock Rail’s German subsidiary will provide the financing through a 15-year leasing agreement. The Westphalia-Lippe Local Transport Association (NWL) will tender the operating contract later this year, with the winning bidder to be announced in 2026. Passenger services are scheduled to begin in December 2029.
The arrangement covers 7.1 million train-kilometres annually on the northern Westphalia network. By separating rolling stock procurement from the operating tender, NWL ensures timely fleet availability despite long lead times.
Siemens technology selected
The Siemens Mireo Plus B can operate on overhead lines and switch to batteries for non-electrified sections. Reported real-world battery ranges reach up to 120 kilometres, depending on route and weather.
NWL specified battery-electric multiple units to replace diesel trains on regional routes where full electrification remains uneconomic. The region is already a hub for battery train deployment: in 2021, NWL and VRR jointly ordered 63 CAF units, still Germany’s largest single BEMU commitment.
Market implications
The deal strengthens Siemens’ position in the competitive German BEMU segment, where Alstom, CAF and Stadler are also active. For Rock Rail, the contract signals that institutional investors now view battery trains as a commercially viable asset class.
The leasing model reduces risk for public transport authorities and accelerates the shift to zero-emission fleets. With Germany targeting climate neutrality by 2045, demand for battery-electric regional trains is expected to grow steadily.
Outlook: NWL will launch the operator tender later in 2025. A decision is expected in 2026, with Rock Rail’s financed Siemens fleet entering service at the end of 2029.