Fleet development
Vehicle projects and procurements
The vehicle projects for the expansion of the ICE fleet were continued in the first half of 2023:
- The ICE 1 modernizations are continuing. To date, 23 ICE 1 trains have been modernized. Seven more will follow in 2023. Implementation of the improved drive technology (IGBT converters) was also taken up in parallel with the modernization work to optimize the robustness of the drives. Sixty-six modified multiple units are currently in use.
- Seven more Intercity 2 double-decker trains from Alstom Transport will also be available by 2024.
- Ten new ICE 4 trains (seven 13-car trains and three seven-car trains) were added in the first half of 2023.
- The gradual purchase of ICE 3neo trains is continuing in 2023. In the first half of 2023, another six ICE 3neo trains were purchased.
- The ICE T customer program will address the most important measures to improve customer satisfaction and the marketability of the ICE T by replacing seats, partially refurbishing WCs, upgrading the vehicle interior, and carrying out repainting work by the end of 2024.
Vehicle availability
With the commissioning of new vehicles and the continued modernization of the existing fleet, the availability of the ICE fleet in the first half of 2023 was increased compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. There is also a positive development in terms of operational deterioration in the passenger sector (for example WiFi, access doors). There was a reduction in this regard across all fleets in the first half of 2023.
To continue the positive development, vehicle projects will continue to be implemented. This includes the arrival of new vehicles, such as the ICE 3neo, of which ten vehicles were in stock as of June 30, 2023. Furthermore, we will be continuously optimizing the existing fleets with various measures until the end of 2023.