Denmark’s Vemb–Lemvig–Thyboron Line Welcomes First Battery-Powered Train, Advancing Eco-Friendly Transport

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Denmark has unveiled its first passenger train powered by a battery, a move the nation’s government said on Thursday brings it a step closer to replacing its diesel-fuelled fleet with zero-emission electric trains. Now, the Siemens Mireo Plus B (battery electric multiple unit, or BEMU) is in service on the local line on a picturesque stretch of the West Jutland region: the Vemb–Lemvig–Thyboron line. The line is crucial for the daily commuters as well as the tourists visiting Denmark’s rural and coastal regions.

The arrival of the Mireo Plus B train is a significant step for the country’s rail system, which has a plan to achieve its decarbonization targets and minimize the use of older diesel-powered trains. The project has been approved by Trafikstyrelsen, the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority, hence being compliant with safety, operational and environmental standards.

Innovation in Train Design and Railway Technology

The Mireo Plus B is based on the latest generation of battery-electric technology intended for regional, suburban and even long-distance services. The units, which can travel up to 140 km/h and have a battery range of around 80 kilometres, are well suited for operation on non-electrified lines in Denmark. The trains also have lithium-ion batteries, which are recharged from overhead lines or from energy collected by the brakes as the trains coast to a stop which ensures that the trains need to have high levels of energy efficiency and considerably reduce air pollution.

All trains have modern equipment to contribute to serving the needs of passengers, including with air conditioning, a state-of-the-art passenger information system and seat allocation for as much as 120 passengers. Sustainability at its heart The Mireo Plus B trains are also an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel trains and contribute to greening the entire rail system.

The new fleet is designed to be flexible, with cars that can be converted for various routes based on the volume of riders. The new battery-electric trains will help Denmark reach its ambitious goal of being a global leader in green transportation and also deliver better quality and embrace comfort for residents and visitors with better public transport.

Infrastructure to be updated to enable battery trains

The completion of charging infrastructure is key to the successful rollout of the Mireo Plus B battery train. Construction is in progress for a charging station at Lemvig Station scale model 1:20, and it should be ready for operation in September 2025. The station will be among the principle depots to care for the battery trains and keep them running smoothly across the region.

Apart from the Lemvig station, a charging point is also coming to the Holstebro and Skjern stations. These can quickly charge the battery trains when they are not in use, minimising any disruption to the power supply on the Vemb–Lemvig–Thyborøn line. These stations are being constructed with an emphasis on energy efficiency and speed of refuelling of the trains.

For now, the first pair of battery trains have been charged overnight at Vemb Station through a makeshift “granny charger” supplying a mere 1,000 volts compared with the intended 25,000 volts the full-scale charging units will provide. This staged introduction will enable MJ to incrementally introduce battery-operation services without impacting existing services.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Goals

Denmark’s introduction of battery-powered trains is a “huge step forward” in climate terms of greening the country’s transport and is part of the Danish Government’s policy of prioritising sustainability in public transport. Exchange of diesel trains with zero-emission electric trains will lead to a substantial reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gases, and support the goals set by Denmark for a more sustainable future.

The entrance of these battery-operated trains supports the Danish government ambition to move towards zero CO2 emissions in the country on all forms of transportation. It is anticipated that the success of this work will encourage other parts of Denmark and even other countries to join in, and further develop green rail travel elsewhere.

Additionally, they provide greater energy efficiency above all thanks to the regenerative braking systems that recover braking energy and return it to the grid. This in turn makes the trains even more efficient, lowering their operating costs and helping to save energy on the whole network.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Promoting Tourism

The battery trains will improve connectivity in the region when they are introduced on the Vemb–Lemvig–Thyborøn line. The trains, which will offer faster, more comfortable and more environmentally friendly travel, will stimulate the increased use of public transport, rather than private cars. This will ease the pressure of traffic on the local road and commuting would become quick.

As well as being for daily commuters, these new trains are aimed at tourism. West Jutland is a tourist favourite and its popular attractions include scenic towns and castles, as well as Rømø for its beaches. The battery trains will make it easier for visitors to travel around the region, helping to grow its economy and local businesses that rely on tourism.

Denmark’s beautiful countryside will entertain even more tourists, and an easy way to travel between small towns, and comfy, green bike rides, will lure those tourists to rural Denmark. New technology such as Wi-Fi Services are ale getting integrated to the modern trains and passengers will experience a far more connected rides, which is of also of huge interests to locals and tourists.

Future and More Battery Trains

With the smooth running of battery-electric powers on the Vemb–Lemvig–Thyborøn line, it is the first step toward producing battery trains all over Denmark. Midtjyske Jernbaner and other rail operators are hoping to deploy more of these trains on other routes in the future, with the aim of replacing older, less efficient diesel trains throughout the country.

The project is part of Denmark’s ambitious rail strategy to upgrade its rail network, making it more sustainable, efficient, and able to accommodate increasing numbers of people using public transport. While the rest of the world is yet to follow Denmark, which many other countries now is taking a page from the nation’s book, in the age of green lifestyle, the move to battery powered trains among other eco-friendly developments look set to transform the world’s railroads pretty soon.

Conclusion: The Green Model of Rail Travel

Denmark’s first battery-powered train has hit the rails in a move that marks a significant step towards the country’s target of reducing its reliance on diesel.The train connects the island of Funen with Zealand. The presentation of the Siemens Mireo Plus B is a showcase for how new, sustainable technology can transform passenger rail travel in Denmark. The continued commitment towards infrastructure investment and the development of battery-powered services, means Denmark is offering travellers a more sustainable, energy-efficient and connected future for rail.

The project in West Jutland will serve as a role model for other regions and countries who want to implement green technology in the public traffic jungle. As cities and countries pivot more and more to electric and battery-powered trains, the future of rail transportation is quickly looking greener and more sustainable than ever.

(Source: Denmark Rail Authority.)