Siemens Vectron Dual Mode authorised to operate in Germany

Credit: Siemens Mobility

The Vectron Dual Mode locomotive from Siemens Mobility has received authorisation for operation in Germany from the Federal Railway Authority (EBA).

To date, Railsystems RP, Mindener Kreisbahnen GmbH and Stern & Hafferl have ordered the Vectron Dual Mode. The Siemens Mobility Test Center in Wegberg-Wildenrath has also ordered a locomotive for delivery trips. The dual mode locomotives ordered by DB Cargo in September will also benefit from the authorisation. This brings the number of the combined diesel and electric locomotives that have been ordered to over 100.

Albrecht Neumann, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said: “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.”

The German rail network is currently around 60 per cent electrified, and the Siemens Mobility locomotive can operate through gaps in the system’s electrification without requiring a change of locomotives. At the same time, metropolitan areas and large cities, which often have an electrified network, are spared emissions. As such, the Vectron Dual Mode offers an environmentally sustainable solution for freight transport in Germany.

The Vectron Dual Mode locomotive is based on the proven Vectron platform and components. It has a track gauge of 1,435mm and weighs 90 tonnes. The locomotive is designed to operate on a 15-kV AC voltage system and is equipped with a PZB train protection system. Regardless of its operating mode, the locomotive has 2,000kW traction power at the wheel rim. The fuel tank has a volume of 2,600 litres. The locomotive has a top speed of 160km/h.