Less diesel, less CO2, even greener: 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.
“Double drives and double benefits: We will grow and rejuvenate our fleet for our customers with a state-of-the-art, powerful locomotive. At the same time, we are underpinning the environmental friendliness of rail. This new locomotive fits us because it’s just like us at DB Cargo: big, green and powerful!” said Ralf Günter Kloß.
Member of the Management Board at DB Cargo responsible for production. “With the Vectron Dual Mode, DB Cargo is investing in future-proof, sustainable and economical rail freight transport. As an alternative to conventional diesel locomotives, the Vectron Dual Mode offers the best of two worlds: It 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,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.
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. The dual-mode locomotive can do both: run with a diesel engine or with power from overhead lines. This capability reduces both diesel consumption and CO2 emissions. With the new Vectron Dual Mode locomotives, 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.
Source and photo credits: Siemens
