SBB Cargo is renewing its fleet with up to 129 modern mainline locomotives from Stadler Rail. The new locomotives are the basis for efficient freight transport and make SBB freight transport fit for the future. They are expected to be delivered gradually between 2027 and 2035.
A modern and efficient fleet is the prerequisite for successful rail freight transport for SBB. The rolling stock in Swiss rail freight transport is therefore to be completely renewed and standardized by 2050. The first concrete step is now underway: SBB Cargo t has initiated the procurement of a total of up to 129 new mainline locomotives from Stadler Rail. The locomotives will gradually replace the older locomotives currently in use, which are entering well-deserved retirement. The modern Stadler locomotives will be delivered gradually between autumn 2027 and 2035. In a first step, SBB Cargo will purchase 36 mainline locomotives. There is an option for the other 93 vehicles.
“Rail freight transport is the backbone of the country’s supply chain and the Swiss economy. The new locomotives are a decisive step forward,” says Alexander Muhm, Head of Freight Transport at SBB. “The locomotives will make a significant contribution to automating our operations, making them more efficient and thus putting rail freight transport on an economically sound footing.”
SBB Cargo to purchase 129 Bo’Bo’ multisystem locomotives
The four-axle locomotive ordered from Stadler is a new development that is coming onto the market for the first time. SBB Cargo is thus relying on a powerful mainline locomotive that is state-of-the-art. In addition to the electric drive, some of the mainline locomotives ordered also have a battery drive (so-called last-mile module), which allows the vehicle to run on tracks without overhead lines. This means that these locomotives can also cover the first and last kilometers from collection to delivery of goods to the customer. The additional use of shunting locomotives is no longer necessary. In the first tranche, 22 of 36 vehicles will be equipped with the last-mile module.
Stadler is building one of the lightest high-performance locomotives on the market. Despite this, it is extremely powerful: it can pull around a third more loads than the four-axle Re420 locomotive in use today. At the same time, according to SBB, the machine is very efficient and uses less energy than other locomotives while delivering higher performance. The vehicle has all the necessary technical requirements for the introduction of the digital automatic coupling, which is considered to be the key to the automation and digitalization of rail freight transport.
Operating costs reduced by 60 percent
The procurement is part of a long-term strategy to renew all rolling stock in SBB’s freight transport – including shunting locomotives and freight wagons – by 2050. The aim of the strategy is to standardize the fleet. SBB Cargo currently has 200 mainline locomotives of five different types.
In the future, only one type will be used. Instead of the current 27 types of wagon, the portfolio will in future include three standard wagons and one type of shunting locomotive. Standardization and the accelerated and more efficient maintenance of new vehicles will reduce the operating costs of the SBB freight transport fleet by around 60 percent.
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