The ICE 4 is the backbone of long-distance transport by Deutsche Bahn (DB). DB has ordered 137 of these trains. They are continually expanding its ICE fleet as part of its “Strong Rail” corporate strategy.

In total, about 450 ICE trains from different series are expected to be on the rails by the end of the decade. More trains also require more maintenance capacity. With innovative technology, the new plant in Cottbus ensures that trains get back on track quickly, that more people can travel in a climate-friendly and comfortable manner, and that the transport transition in Germany is successful.

Source: DB. Used with permission.

The 374-m-long XXL ICE, with 13 cars and 918 full-length seats, fits into the almost-450-m-long factory hall. Of the shorter, seven-car ICE trains, two of the approximately 200-m-long trains can stand one behind the other on the two maintenance tracks. The trains no longer have to be divided for maintenance as in other plants. Employees can work on all cars at the same time. Another hall with a total of four tracks is already under construction on the factory premises. It is scheduled to go into operation in 2026.

Full Article: IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine, Volume 19, Number 2, June 2024

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