Siemens Mobility announced that its Vectron Dual Mode locomotive is already in production. Its premiere vehicle can be operated as both a diesel and electric locomotive, thus reducing maintenance and energy costs, increasing the value sustainably over the entire life cycle.
The Vectron Dual Mode is based on Vectron components. The new locomotive has a gauge of 1,435 mm and weighs 90 metric tons. The locomotive is designed to operate on a 15-kV AC electrical system and is equipped with the PZB train protection system. Regardless of its operating mode, the locomotive develops a rating of 2,000 kW at the wheel rim. The Vectron’s diesel tank holds 2,500 liters of fuel. The locomotive’s top speed is 160 km/h.
The locomotive is designed with a 100% flexibility and the operator can benefit from a reduction in maintenance and energy costs of up to 53%.
In August, Siemens Mobility announced that the locomotive is designed for freight transport in Germany and it is available for orders since September. Although electrical operation is much more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than diesel operation, Germany will continue to have many non-electrified sections of track and Vectron Dual Mode comes to answer sustainable transport needs and meet operator’s requirements.
Germany’s rail network is currently around 60 percent electrified, and the new locomotive from can also operate through gaps in the electrified sections, eliminating the need to change locomotives. At the same time, conurbations and major cities, where there is often an electrified rail network, are spared emissions.
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