Following a successful feasibility study, DB Cargo has ordered the first 50 Toshiba hybrid locomotives, which will replace 61 legacy locomotives. The German operator will lease another 50 locomotives. The preparation of series assembly of the locomotives starts in 2021 at DB Cargo’s maintenance depot in Rostock.
The Toshiba hybrid locomotives will allow annual energy savings of 30% and diesel fuel savings of 1 million litres per year.
“Together with Toshiba, we are setting standards in what is a vital technology for the future,” Sigrid Nikutta, DB Cargo CEO, said.
The Toshiba HDB 800 is equipped with state-of-the art technologies including the SCiB™ lithium-ion battery system, certified by TUV Rheinland.
“We need more long-term investments in machines and plants as well as in research and development. In the future, this will ensure greater prosperity for our citizens,” said Stefan Rudolph, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economics, Employment and Health in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
As well as the considerably reduced diesel consumption and lower maintenance costs, the diesel-battery hybrid locomotives offer greater quality to customers through higher average fleet availability. Furthermore, the battery modules can be charged via external power supply, further increasing the proportion of renewable energy used in rail freight transport.
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