Step-free entry and a speed of at least 300 kilometers per hour – Deutsche Bahn has launched the tender for the next ICE generation. The federally owned company announced on Friday that this would include the development, construction and approval of a new train fleet that would be used in the early 1930s.
The railway wants to conclude a framework agreement for up to 95 trains with the winner of the tender. In a first tranche, the company wants to order 33 vehicles. They should be 400 meters long, one-story and have around 940 seats. The railway wants to gradually replace the older ICE 1 and ICE 3 at the beginning of the next decade. The contract is expected to be awarded in spring 2025. About a year ago, the company commissioned the manufacturers Siemens Mobility and Alstom to independently design a concept for the next ICE generation. With the help of these concepts, the railway has now formulated the specific requirements for the tender, which should be manufacturer-neutral, it said.
While previous ICE fleets are based on existing high-speed platforms, a completely new concept is to be developed for the next ICE. This is another reason why it will be a few years before the train goes into operation. The railway has been increasing and rejuvenating its fleet for several years. The current average age of trains is 18 years and is expected to fall to 12 years by 2030. Delivery of the ICE 4 trains is still ongoing. The last of the 137 trains is scheduled to go into service in March. Delivery of the ICE 3 Neo has also been underway for around a year, with around 90 trains expected to be on the road by 2028. Delivery of the ICE L is also planned to begin at the end of 2024.