The Leipzig – Chemnitz line in Germany is not electrified till now. The process is expected to be completed by 2028. As a result trains on the line are hauled by diesel locomotives. In order to push for a green and sustainable railways in the region, the Mittelsachsen transport authority ZVMS, has ordered 11 three-car Battery Electric Multiple Unit (BEMU) trains for the route.

These trains are to be supplied by Alstom by 2023. They will be maintained by Alstom from 2023 till 2032 and are based on the Coradia Continental EMUs. These trains will have pantographs as well as roof mounted Li-ion battery packs. These battery packs are expected to provide the trains with a range of 120 Km and a top speed of 160 Km/h. The batteries would be charged at the Leipzig and Chemnitz stations using the pantographs. It is believed that the charging would take approximately 30 minutes at each station.

Like other Coradia EMUs, these trains will seat 150 passengers with 9 in the first class. Once the line is electrified by 2028, the batteries would be removed and the strains would then be deployed as conventional 15 kV 16·7 Hz EMUs. The batteries installed in these trains is similar to those fitted to the Coradia iLint fuel cell multiple-units, Citadis trams and Prima H3 locomotives.

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