Highlights on track: the future of mobility at your fingertips

A debut for CAF: A modular locomotive from Siemens Mobility

The Spanish exhibitor CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.) has been a regular at the leading trade fair for transport technology for many years. This year, they are unveiling their own vehicle for the first time: the Civity BEMU. The battery-powered multiple unit will be operating at the Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association and reflects a trend that has been emerging at InnoTrans for years: the focus on alternative propulsion systems.

With the Vectron X, Siemens Mobility is placing the latest generation of its successful locomotive platform at the heart of its InnoTrans presentation. The new multi-system locomotive has been systematically designed to meet the requirements of an increasingly digitalised and international rail transport sector. Its modular vehicle architecture, optimised energy efficiency and end-to-end digital architecture are intended to offer operators greater flexibility throughout the entire life cycle – from maintenance to future software updates.

In the field of alternative propulsion systems, Stadler is presenting the world’s first hydrogen-powered train for narrow-gauge lines. Compared to diesel, ten hydrogen-powered vehicles will save over 2 100 tonnes of CO2 annually. In addition to their sustainability, the trains are also characterised by a high level of passenger comfort and an innovative propulsion system. Three Italian regions are already relying on the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. The French manufacturer ALSTOM will be represented at InnoTrans with a total of three vehicles.

Hitachi will be showcasing, amongst other things, the ETR1000 New Generation, a top-of-the-range high-speed train characterised by high performance, comfort and energy efficiency. The train was developed in Italy and is manufactured at the Hitachi Rail plants in Naples and Pistoia. It reflects outstanding, fully integrated development and manufacturing expertise. Just like Hitachi, the South Korean industry giant Hyundai Rotem will also be exhibiting a highspeed train. Just like the rolling stock from the Chinese exhibitor CRRC, it will be shipped to Berlin via Rotterdam and Bremerhaven respectively.

The BallastMaster 410 and the UnimatExpress 2X-4x4 Dynamic from Plasser & Theurer do not have such a long journey – they are coming from Austria. Whilst the BallastMaster 410 profiles the ballast bed following tamping and track-laying work, thereby creating the foundation for a stable track bed, the UnimatExpress 2X-4x4 Dynamic carries out continuous double-sleeper tamping.

The combination of digitalisation, high performance and the economical use of resources highlights the transformation in track maintenance: away from individual work steps towards integrated, efficient system solutions for a high-performance and reliable rail network.

Night train concepts focus on travel comfort

One of the most striking issues highlighted at the outdoor exhibition area is new night train concepts. Having long been regarded as a niche product in Europe, the night train has been experiencing a remarkable renaissance in recent years. Climate protection, rising demand for sustainable travel options and the desire for comfortable cross-border connections have given rise to a new generation of concepts, which will be presented to an international audience of industry professionals for the first time at InnoTrans 2026.

A particularly innovative approach comes from Nox Mobility. With its “Dreamviewer” prototype – the final product name has yet to be decided – the company is presenting a completely reimagined night train concept. Instead of traditional couchette carriages, Nox relies exclusively on private compartments for one or two persons.

Luna Rail GmbH is taking a different approach with its Luna Rail Lab. The company is developing a double-decker interior concept that combines seating and reclining areas with private cabins. The intelligent use of the vehicle’s cross-section is intended to provide greater comfort without reducing capacity. Here, too, the focus is on flexible interior layouts and a new travel experience.

These visions are complemented by the ALISA research project (a differentiated, lightweight and innovative sleeping car concept). The joint project between Tricon AG and partners such as the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), DLR, Satek and GETA Interieur will be showcasing several walk-in mock-ups at InnoTrans in an exhibition marquee in front of the South Entrance.

High-performance electric bus from DB in the Sommergarten

With the MAN Lion’s City 12 E, which Deutsche Bahn AG is presenting in the open-air area of the Sommergarten, the focus is on the electrification of urban public transport. The fully electric solo city bus combines a locally emission-free drive with high energy efficiency and a modern passenger concept. Thanks to highperformance battery technology, the 12.20-metre long vehicle is suitable for daily use on urban networks.

However diverse the vehicles at InnoTrans 2026 may be, they all point the way to the future of mobility.