ICE L receives operating license – Launch in December
Deutsche Bahn's first stepless high-speed train can go into operation at the end of 2025. Talgo has received approval for the ICE L.
The ICE L is to be used for the first time from December
(Image: Deutsche Bahn AG / Claus Weber)
Deutsche Bahn can expand its long-distance fleet with a new generation of trains as planned: Spanish manufacturer Talgo received the operating license for the ICE L in Germany on Monday. This was announced by DB. After months of delays due to delivery problems and extended approval procedures, nothing now stands in the way of deployment from mid-December 2025.
DB plans to present the first ICE L (L = "low floor") to the public in Berlin on October 17. Four units of the new series are to be put into regular passenger service before the end of this year. The trains will initially run on the domestic German route between Berlin and Cologne before the area of operation is gradually expanded.
Completely barrier-free train
The most outstanding feature of the ICE L is its completely barrier-free access without steps or lifts. According to DB, this solution not only facilitates access for passengers with limited mobility, but also improves comfort when transporting bulky items such as bicycles or large suitcases.
Another special feature is the mobile radio-permeable window panes of the ICE L. Unlike previous ICE generations, which rely on repeater systems, mobile radio signals can pass directly through the panes into the carriage interior. This technology promises a much more stable Internet connection during the journey.
Various seat designs tested
When designing the seats, DB relied on unusually broad user participation: 1600 test persons tested various seat designs and assessed comfort and ergonomics. The findings were incorporated into the final configuration, which offers improved ergonomics as well as larger folding tables and integrated holders for mobile devices.
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The new lighting concept with daytime-dependent control and the shorter carriage lengths are intended to create a pleasant atmosphere. The new train consists of a newly developed multi-system locomotive, 17 passenger coaches with 562 seats, restaurant cars and a control car. It can travel at a maximum speed of 230 km/h.
Delivery delayed
The originally planned commissioning was delayed due to delivery problems at Talgo and complex approval procedures. The new train was actually supposed to have been in service since October 2024.
(mki)
