BOMBARDIER Inc has launched a battery-powered train in Germany to operate passenger services in Europe. Developed in Berlin the train runs on batteries with a range of 40 kilometres between charges, but next year its range will be extended to 100 kilometres with upgraded batteries. The 'electric hybrid' train is the latest of its kind to debut in Germany, which is providing federal development aid for projects that may accelerate electrification of the rail network. Diesel locomotives still run on 40 per cent of Germany's railroads, yet the government in Berlin has created an ambitious plan to make the network pollution-free by 2030, reported Bloomberg.

Most of the diesel trains serve shorter, regional routes without overhead electrification. Bombardier's Talent 3 can run on partly electrified stretches, tapping overhead power lines to charge.

Bombardier's German unit said the company is seeking orders for the Talent parallel to running pilot projects that commenced this month.