Siemens Mobility and DB Cargo have unveiled Vectron Dual Mode light locomotive, a new generation of locomotives which combine electric and diesel drive for adaptability in freight transport.
“This new generation of locomotives is important for DB Cargo. Many customers will benefit from this and – important for all of us – the environment is the big winner. If we operate this locomotive with green electricity and HVO diesel from cooking oils, we offer our customers an almost CO2-free supply chain from start to finish, without intermediate stops. All in all, the new generation of locomotives will make rail freight transport more efficient in the long term,” said Sigrid Nikutta, Chairwoman of the Board of Management of DB Cargo.
The modern hybrid locomotive can easily switch between electric and diesel operations. It helps avoid time-consuming shunting and maneuvering, and can be used flexibly, with or without overhead lines.
DB has ordered 150 locomotives from Siemens Mobility in an initial order. With the use of the new dual-power locomotives, DB Cargo will save around 12 million liters of fuel and 25,000 tons of CO2 per year.
The first locomotives will be used around Europe’s most modern marshalling yard in Halle (Saale) in Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony where DB Cargo’s customers in the region will be the first to benefit. DB Cargo’s goal is to equip around 70 percent of its diesel locomotives with innovative drives by 2030.
The Vectron Dual Mode light locomotive “reduces CO2 emissions, lowers maintenance efforts, and ensures greater flexibility in freight transport. On electrified sections of the line, it is purely electric, while on sections without overhead lines, it is possible to switch to conventional drive without changing locomotives. In this way, we are supporting DB Cargo in implementing climate-friendly supply chains right down to the last mile,” Michael Peter, the CEO of Siemens Mobility said.
The new generation of locomotive is fitted with modern equipment on board and digital technologies, including the ETCS train control system.
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