DB Cargo renews shunter fleet with 100 units of dual-power locomotives 15 September 2020

Germany’s DB Cargo is renewing its shunting and mainline locomotive fleet by ordering new dual-mode locomotives.

Manufacturer Siemens Mobility won the framework agreement for up to 400 units, representing an investment volume of well over one billion euros. The Vectron Dual Mode locomotives will be delivered with adaptations specifically designed for the range of services planned by DB Cargo. The cargo arm of DB has initially ordered 100 locomotives of the 248 series. Deliveries will begin in 2023.

The dual-mode locomotive can do both: run with a diesel engine or with power from overhead lines. The Vectron Dual Mode operates purely in electric mode on electrified sections of the route to save fuel and reduce maintenance costs. And it can be switched to diesel operation on stretches without overhead lines, eliminating the need to change locomotives, Siemens Mobility said. DB can save around eight million liters of fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by 17,000 tons a year. DB Cargo plans to have around 70 percent of its diesel locomotives equipped with innovative electric drives by 2030.

Diesel locomotives are still used today to shunt freight cars to customer sidings in wagonload freight service. Even if the main route is electrified, the ‘last mile’ to the customer can usually be accessed only with an internal combustion locomotive.

William Dalrymple

Related Companies
Siemens Mobility

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