Germany’s Federal Railway Authority (Eisenbahn-Bundesamt – EBA) has issued the operating approval for the Siemens Vectron dual mode locomotive.
The diesel-electric freight locomotive has already been ordered by a number of customers in Germany: Railsystems RP, Mindener Kreisbahnen GmbH, and Stern & Hafferl. Siemens Mobility has a test centre in Wegberg-Wildenrath, which has ordered a Vectron dual mode. And in September 2020 DB Cargo signed a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for up to 400 Vectron dual mode locomotives, ordering an initial 100 units, which will also benefit from this authorisation.
“The Vectron Dual Mode enables our customers to provide sustainable and cost-effective rail freight transport. As an alternative to conventional diesel locomotives, the Vectron Dual Mode offers the best of two worlds: It operates in electric mode on electrified rail routes to save fuel and reduce emissions and maintenance costs, and can switch to diesel operation on sections without overhead lines, eliminating the need to change locomotives.”
Roughly 60 percent of Germany’s railway network is currently electrified. The dual mode functionality means operators can use overhead lines when available, rather than having to operate with diesel fuel for 100 percent of their journey.
First unveiled at InnoTrans 2018, the Vectron Dual Mode uses the established Vectron platform and components. It is manufactured for standard-gauge tracks and weighs 90 tons. Designed to run under 15kV AC overhead lines, the locomotive has 2,000kW traction power at the wheel rim in both electric and diesel mode. Its top speed is 160km/h, its fuel tank can hold 2,600 litres. As required by the EBO railway regulations, the Vectron Dual Mode is also fitted with the PZB train protection system.
