More efficiency for DB Cargo: Freight transport with two power options

A new generation of locomotives has been unveiled that will make DB Cargo's fleet more efficient and powerful in the future. The “Vectron Dual Mode light” combines electric and diesel drive for adaptability in freight transportation. The modern hybrid locomotive can easily switch between electric and diesel operations. It helps avoid time-consuming shunting and maneuvering, and can be used flexibly, with or without overhead lines. 

The Vectron Dual Mode light has been specially optimized for DB Cargo's operational requirements. Compared to a conventional Vectron Dual Mode, it is several tons lighter for even more efficient operations and provides access to branch lines and sidings with lower load capacities. This benefits single wagon loads, which will become faster and more efficient as the time to reclamp locomotives will be significantly reduced. In addition, the new generation of locomotives is pre-equipped for digital train operations in the future. 

Sigrid Nikutta, DB Board Member for Freight Transport and head of DB Cargo: "This new generation of locomotives is important for DB Cargo. Many customers will benefit from this and – important for all of us – the environment is the big winner. If we operate this locomotive with green electricity and HVO diesel from cooking oils, we offer our customers an almost CO2-free supply chain from start to finish – without intermediate stops. All in all, the new generation of locomotives will make rail freight transport more efficient in the long term. And we can focus even more on the wishes and circumstances of our customers, because the new locomotive can be used under all conditions."

"Our state-of-the-art Vectron Dual Mode light reduces CO2 emissions, lowers maintenance efforts, and ensures greater flexibility in freight transportation,” says Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “On electrified sections of the line, it is purely electric, while on sections without overhead lines, it is possible to switch to conventional drive without changing locomotives. In this way, we are supporting DB Cargo in implementing climate-friendly supply chains right down to the 'last mile.' "Thanks to many digital technologies and equipment on board, such as shunting by remote control or the modern ETCS train control system, our locomotive is perfectly equipped for the future for DB Cargo."

DB has ordered 150 locomotives from Siemens Mobility in an initial order. With the use of the new dual-power locomotives, DB Cargo will save around 12 million liters of fuel and 25,000 tons of CO2 per year.

The first locomotives will be used around Europe's most modern marshalling yard in Halle (Saale) in Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony where DB Cargo's customers in the region will be the first to benefit.

DB Cargo's goal is to equip around 70 percent of its diesel locomotives with innovative drives by 2030.

pictured above: Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, and Sigrid Nikutta, DB Board Member for Freight Transport and head of DB Cargo