The "American Pioneer" is set to race across the USA at 354 km/h - a prestige project for Siemens and a potential turning point for American rail transportation. But political risks and technical challenges threaten its success.
With a top speed of 354 kilometers per hour, the "American Pioneer" is set to connect the deserts of Nevada with the beaches of California - a high-speed train the likes of which the USA has never seen before.
Siemens plans to complete the billion-euro project by the 2028 Olympic Games, laying the foundations for high-speed transportation in the United States.
But while the technical basis is in place, funding remains uncertain under the Trump administration.
The market launch for high-speed in the USA
For Siemens, the Brightline West order is not only a deal worth over two billion euros, but also a historic opportunity: entering the American high-speed market could trigger further lucrative projects.
"There are at least ten city pairs in the USA that are suitable for similar connections," explains Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility.
With a new plant in New York and a platform that will be linked to the ICE of the future, Siemens is positioning itself for long-term expansion.
The special features of the "American Pioneer"
The train is based on the Velaro Novo platform, which combines state-of-the-art technology with maximum energy efficiency. 30% less energy consumption and the ability to effortlessly master steep inclines make the Pioneer ideal for routing through the Mojave Desert.
A wide carriage body enables barrier-free design and a new type of lounge design - a unique selling point in the international high-speed market.
However, it is precisely these advantages that could prove to be an obstacle in Germany: Deutsche Bahn has rejected the Velaro Novo for the ICE of the future, partly because of accessibility requirements. These challenges increase the development costs - and could delay the launch in Europe.
Political risks: Trump's possible blockade
The financing of the Brightline project depends not only on private investors, but also on three billion dollars in government funding.
However, following Donald Trump's election, there is growing concern that the former president could once again cut funding for rail projects - as he did during his first term in office in California.
"High-speed rail is critical to the future of mobility, but under Trump I see its realization in jeopardy," warns Karen Philbrick, Director of the Mineta Transportation Institute.
If the project fails, not only Siemens' plans for the USA but also the future of high-speed transportation in North America would be threatened.
Why the USA needs a high-speed network
Unlike Europe, the USA offers the ideal conditions for high-speed trains: long distances, low population density and cities that are often far apart.
The "American Pioneer" could be faster than an airplane on the route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles - including check-in and travel. Siemens' vision: high-speed trains could create a new means of transport that revolutionizes private transport.
The future of Siemens super trains
While the "American Pioneer" is causing a sensation in the USA, Siemens is struggling with the complex requirements of Deutsche Bahn in Europe. The development of the ICE 5 as a barrier-free high-speed train remains a technical and economic challenge. Competition with Alstom and political reluctance to provide funding could further delay the schedule.
Nevertheless, Siemens Mobility CEO Peter remains optimistic: "Whether in the USA or elsewhere - high-speed trains are the key to the mobility of the future." If the Pioneer gets off to a successful start, Siemens could have a decisive impact on the international market for high-speed technologies.
