Premiere for New Locomotive from Siemens at DB Cargo

A new generation of locomotives will make the fleet of DB Cargo more efficient and powerful in the future. The new locomotive from Siemens Mobility is called “Vectron Dual Mode light.” It combines the best of both worlds through its innovative combination of electric and diesel drive. The modern hybrid locomotive can easily switch between electric and diesel operation.

(Mainz/Halle) The new locomotive is versatile for the requirements of rail freight transport. Time-consuming shunting and maneuvering can be eliminated. Whether it’s about picking up freight cars in the industrial customers’ premises of DB Cargo or covering longer distances – the new machine is flexible to use, with or without overhead lines.

The “Vectron Dual Mode light” is specifically optimized for the operational requirements of DB Cargo. Compared to a conventional “Vectron Dual Mode,” it is several tons lighter, even more efficient in operation, and can also be used on branch lines and rail connections with lower load capacity.

This primarily benefits single wagon traffic, which will become faster and more efficient in the future, as the time- and resource-intensive shunting of locomotives will be significantly reduced. In addition, the new generation of locomotives is prepared for the digital train operation of the future.

New Locomotive Generation Important for DB Cargo

Sigrid Nikutta, Board Member for Freight Transport at Deutsche Bahn and Chairwoman of DB Cargo: “This new generation of locomotives is important for DB Cargo. Many customers will benefit from it, and – importantly for all of us – the environment is the big winner. Because when we operate this locomotive with green electricity and HVO diesel from frying fat, we offer our customers an almost CO₂-free supply chain from start to finish – without intermediate stops. In summary: The new locomotive generation will make rail freight transport sustainably more efficient. And we can adapt even more to the wishes and conditions of our customers, as the new locomotive can be used under all conditions.”

“Our modern ‘Vectron Dual Mode light’ reduces CO₂ emissions, lowers maintenance effort, and provides more flexibility in freight transport. On electrified sections, it operates purely electrically, while on non-overhead sections, it can switch to conventional drive without changing locomotives. This supports DB Cargo in realizing climate-friendly supply chains up to the ‘last mile,'” says Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “Also thanks to many digital technologies and preparations on board, such as remote-controlled shunting or the modern ETCS train protection system, our locomotive is perfectly equipped for the future in service at DB Cargo.”

DB has ordered 150 locomotives from Siemens Mobility in an initial order. With the deployment of the new dual-power locomotives, DB Cargo saves around 12 million liters of fuel and 25,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

First in Use in Eastern Germany

The first locomotives will be deployed around the most modern shunting yard in Europe in Halle (Saale) in the federal states of Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony. There, DB Cargo customers in the eastern German economy will be the first to benefit from the investments in the Strong Rail.

Photo: © DB Cargo / Image Caption: Michael Peter, CEO Siemens Mobility, and Sigrid Nikutta, Board Member for Freight Transport at Deutsche Bahn and Chairwoman of DB Cargo