Fleet development

Vehicle projects and purchases

• The ICE 4 fleet continued to grow in 2023: 23 new ICE 4 trains (7 13-car trains and 16 7-car trains) have been added. In 2024, two further ICE 4 trains will be added, which means that the fleet will then consist of a total of 137 ICE 4 trains. This is DB Long-Distance’s largest fleet.
• The gradual acceptance of ICE 3neo trains also progressed further in 2023 – a further 12 ICE 3neo trains were
  received. This means that 16 ICE 3neo trains are already in operation.
• Another 14 Intercity 2 double-deck trains from Alstom Transport will be available by 2024.
• The ICE 1 modernization is progressing further. By the end of 2023, 29 ICE 1 trains had been modernized and the robustness of the drives had been optimized.
• The comprehensive modernization of the total ICE 3 fleet was completed in 2023. All 50 ICE 3 trains have had a contemporary makeover with newly designed seats, new colors and modern, durable materials.
• The ICE T customer program will address the measures that are important from the customer’s point of view to improve customer satisfaction by replacing seats, partially refurbishing WCs, upgrading the vehicle interior, and carrying out repainting work by the end of 2025.

Vehicle availability

Due to the modernization of the existing fleet and the commissioning of new vehicles, the vehicle availability of the ICE fleet was improved again in 2023 compared to the previous year. Functionality in the passenger sector (e.g. WiFi, air-conditioning systems and passenger information) is also developing positively.

In order to provide passengers with a high-quality and reliable vehicle fleet in the future, projects for the procurement and modernization of vehicles will continue to be implemented. This includes, among other things, the inflow of new vehicles as well as optimization of the existing fleet.

New ICE interior design

The first ICE 3neo trains went into operation at the end of 2023 with a new interior design characterized by numerous innovations: the completely newly developed seats are designed as a personal retreat, offering better adjustment options and therefore even more comfort. We are creating a new appearance with a harmonious design, modern materials such as wooden decor, and seat covers made from high-quality fabric with 85% wool in subtle colors. Elements such as an integrated tablet holder or coat hooks in each backrest offer more functionality.