The German Federal Railway Authority (EBA) provided Siemens Mobility the authorisation for operation for the Vectron Dual Mode locomotive.
The Vectron Dual Mode is based on the proven Vectron platform and components. It has a track gauge of 1,435 mm 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 2,000 kW traction power at the wheel rim. The fuel tank has a volume of 2,600 liters. The locomotive has a top speed of 160 km/h.
The diesel-electric locomotives will significantly reduce the diesel consumption and CO2 emissions.
“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,” Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility said.
The German rail network is currently around 60 percent electrified, and the Vectron Dual Mode locomotive can operate through gaps in the system’s electrification without requiring a change of the vehicles. At the same time, metropolitan areas and large cities, which often have an electrified network, are spared emissions.
Until now, Railsystems RP, Mindener Kreisbahnen GmbH, and Stern & Hafferl have ordered the Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. 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. The German rail freight operator has ordered 400 such locomotives with a firm order for 100 locomotives expected to be delivered from 2023.
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