High-speed mobility in Germany: Knorr-Bremse equips more ICE high-speed trains for Siemens Mobility

Once again, Knorr-Bremse is supplying systems for ICE trains. Following Deutsche Bahn’s decision to exercise an option to order another 43 ICE 3neo (Velaro MS) trainsets from Siemens Mobility, Knorr-Bremse will supply braking and entrance systems for the vehicles between 2024 and 2027. Knorr-Bremse started fitting braking technologies and door systems to the 30 high-speed trains commissioned under the original order back in 2020.

Dr. Jürgen Wilder, Member of the Executive Board of Knorr-Bremse AG and responsible for the Rail Vehicle Systems division, puts the order in perspective: “Following this option call, we’re delighted to be able to equip more high-speed trains with safe, reliable, state-of-the-art Knorr-Bremse technologies. Our collaboration with Siemens Mobility while fitting out the new ICE fleet is a splendid example of the successful, long-term partnership that binds together our two companies. We’re proud to be able to make yet another contribution to creating fast, high-availability train connections across Germany.”

Knorr-Bremse will install braking and entrance systems on the 43 new ICE 3neo trains between Q1 2024 and Q1 2027. The orders were placed with Knorr-Bremse during the first half-year 2022. The braking systems include all bogie equipment, axle-mounted and wheel brake calipers, steel discs and sintered pads. The system will use soundproofed air supply systems using oil-free compressors from the company’s PistonSupply Eco family. Knorr-Bremse is also equipping Deutsche Bahn’s new Velaro trains with eddy-current braking systems based on zero-contact technology that eliminates wear and noise during braking maneuvers. The brake control systems – again, supplied by Knorr-Bremse – will use intelligent brake management to coordinate the various train braking systems, including both eddy-current and friction brakes. This will maximize energy recovery while minimizing wear and tear – an important step in delivering economical, eco-friendly train operation.

Similarly, Knorr-Bremse will supply service-proven, pressure-tight, low-maintenance doors – including boarding aids – for the ICE trains through the Group’s global IFE brand, the world’s leading supplier of rail vehicle entrance systems. “Highly innovative door systems play a key role in the smart management of trackside passenger flows by reducing platform dwell times and making travel more convenient and ergonomic for passengers,” explains Dr. Peter Radina, Member of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems and responsible for the company’s global entrance-systems business. “In short, we’re proud that our entrance technologies will be aboard these new vehicles, enabling passengers to enter and exit from the new trains quickly, efficiently and safely.”

As part of Deutsche Bahn’s “Strong Rail” strategy, the company is expanding its ICE train fleet with new ICE 3neo trains capable of running at up to 320 km/h (around 200 mph) in support of a smooth transition to eco-friendly mobility. The trains will operate on many of Germany’s high-speed routes, such as the Cologne-Frankfurt and Munich-Berlin lines.