Railsystems RP has ordered two of the locomotives, which can be operated either as a diesel or electric unit. Siemens Mobility first presented the concept for the Vectron Dual Mode at InnoTrans in Berlin in September 2018, and completed the first unit in March.
The locomotive is based on proven Vectron components. It is designed to haul freight trains in Germany and so can operate on lines electrified at 15kV 16.7Hz and equipped with the PZB signalling system. The locomotive’s diesel tank has a capacity of 2600 litres. Regardless of whether it is powered by electricity or diesel, the output at the wheel rim is 2MW.
The Vectron Dual Mode weighs 90 tonnes and has a maximum speed of 160km/h.
“With the Vectron Dual Mode, Railsystems RP is getting a locomotive that combines the best of two worlds,” says Ms Sabrina Soussan, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “On electrified routes, the locomotive is powered by electricity to save fuel and reduce maintenance costs. On rail routes without overhead wires, the Vectron can shift to diesel operation without the operator having to change locomotives.”
