Siemens’ Vectron Dual Mode locomotives will be delivered with specific adaptations for the planned range of service with DB Cargo and the DB Bahnbau Group. The locomotives can be operated with either diesel or electricity.
The order is an option taken by DB from a framework agreement concluded in September 2020. With this order, the DB Cargo fleet will grow to 146 Vectron Dual Mode locomotives, and the DB Bahnbau Group will receive four locomotives of this type for the first time.
Delivery of the locomotives will begin in 2026 and they will be produced at the Siemens Mobility plant in Munich-Allach, Germany.
“Our Vectron Dual Mode locomotive is supporting DB in the climate-friendly conversion of their fleet,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO of rolling stock at Siemens Mobility. “On electrified sections of their routes, the Vectron Dual Mode will operate in a purely electric mode, and on non-electrified sections, it can switch to conventional operation and eliminate the need to change locomotives. This will reduce CO2 emissions, lower maintenance costs, and help DB implement more sustainable supply chains,”
Even though the main railway lines in Germany are already electrified, the so-called last mile can usually only be operated using internal combustion locomotives. The Vectron Dual Mode offers a sustainable and economical replacement for conventional diesel locomotives.
To date, Siemens Mobility has sold 195 Vectron Dual Mode locomotives to 18 customers. The locomotive is based on the proven Vectron platform and components. It is designed to operate on a 15-kV AC voltage system and is equipped with the PZB train control system.