GERMANY: Captrain Deutschland subsidiary ITL Eisenbahngesellschaft has taken delivery of the first of two Vectron Dual Mode electro-diesel locomotives that it ordered from Siemens Mobility.
ITL is working to replace its existing diesel locomotive fleet with electro-diesels that can be deployed flexibly on both electrified and non-electrified lines, helping to reduce CO2 emissions by eliminating diesel operation on electrified routes. It took delivery last year of four EuroDual locomotives from Stadler Rail Valencia, and the second Vectron is expected to arrive in October.
Just under 20 m long, the Vectron Dual Mode Bo-Bo delivered on May 18 can operate at up to 160 km/h on 15 kV 16·7 Hz electrified lines. It is rated at 2 400 kW in diesel mode, giving a maximum power at the wheel of 2 000 kW and a tractive effort of 300 kN.
‘These two locomotives are an innovative addition that bring us many economic and ecological advantages’, said ITL Managing Director Jérôme Méline. ‘In the longer term, this should help to shift more freight onto the railways. After all, freight trains emit 80% less CO2 per tonne-km than lorries. Rail freight is already making a contribution to meeting the challenges of the future.’
