DB Cargo's New Generation of Locomotives has Arrived

It's always a special moment when a new generation of locomotives makes its debut. This time was no exception, as the Halle (Saale) marshalling yard saw the introduction of the Siemens Vectron Dual Mode light: a new locomotive that will make DB Cargo's fleet more efficient and effective in future.

The new dual-mode locomotive cleverly combines both diesel and electric drives, and can easily switch between the two modes of operation. Dr Sigrid Nikutta, Member of the Management Board for Freight Transport at Deutsche Bahn and CEO of DB Cargo, sees the Dual Mode light's introduction as an important step in the fight against climate change: "This locomotive creates transport chains that are virtually carbon-free from beginning to end, without intermediate stops. Powering this locomotive with green electricity and HVO diesel from chip fat helps our customers make their supply chains environmentally friendly.

All in all, the new generation of locomotives will make rail freight transport more efficient and sustainable." HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is a sustainable, renewable diesel fuel that is primarily derived from plant-based vegetable oils. It generates significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to fossil diesel. HVO can also be used in existing diesel engines, and therefore also in the new locomotives, without the need for modifications.

The hybrid locomotive also has major advantages over its predecessors in daily operations, according to Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility: "It means trains can run in all-electric mode on electrified line sections and then switch to conventional drive on non-electrified sections without having to change locomotive. We are therefore helping DB Cargo create environmentally friendly supply chains right up to the last mile." 

This is because the new locomotive removes the need for time-consuming locomotive switching and shunting, and can respond flexibly to all rail freight transport requirements. This is particularly beneficial for single wagonload transport, which the dual-mode locomotive makes faster and more efficient. But the Dual Mode light's advantages apply to other types of freight, too. From long-distance routes to picking up freight wagons at industrial customers' factories, this is an all-purpose traction unit. It is also prepared for the future of rail freight transport thanks to its many digital technologies, such as remote control shunting and the ETCS train protection system.

DB Cargo has placed an initial order for around 150 locomotives with the manufacturer Siemens Mobility. By using the new dual-mode locomotives, DB Cargo will save around twelve million litres of fuel and 25,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

The first locomotives will go into service at Europe's most modern marshalling yard in Halle (Saale) in eastern Germany. This is an important step towards DB Cargo's goal of equipping around 70% of its diesel locomotives with innovative drive systems by 2030, thereby making rail freight transport both more efficient and sustainable.

Six of the locomotives are being tested in Zwickau and Kreuztal, Germany, in order to assess their performance under real conditions before they enter service.

After two months of intensive trials, the team’s initial conclusion is positive: "The dual-mode locomotives are performing as expected and are proving their worth even in difficult weather conditions. We are especially pleased with the time savings on lines that were previously operated with diesel shunting locomotives under overhead lines. We identified some small issues during the test runs, which the manufacturer, Siemens, is currently working to optimise with the support of DB Cargo," says Erik Unbehaun from the DB Cargo Fleet Strategy department.

The trials are providing valuable insights that will be incorporated into further improvements. The team will continue to collect data and make optimisations until the end of June. Once the trial period has concluded successfully, series delivery of the locomotives will start in late summer 2024. Thirty dual-mode locomotives are due be in operation by the end of the year, with all of the approximately 150 engines that have been ordered scheduled to be delivered by 2027. 

With its new dual-mode locomotives, DB Cargo is setting another example of how innovative and sustainable solutions can make rail freight transport more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Copyright: DB AG/Oliver Lang