EUROPEAN rolling stock leasing company Akiem has signed a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for the supply of 80 battery-electric dual-mode Vectron locomotives. The contract includes a firm order for 50 units and an option for 30 more.
Akiem is the launch customer for the battery-electric version of the Vectron. Siemens says the locomotive is based on the bi-mode electro-diesel variant, with the diesel engine replaced with batteries for operation on non-electrified lines.
The traction system is able to deliver up to 2MW to the wheels in both battery mode and when operating under ac overhead lines, with a top speed of 160km/h. The locomotive, which weighs approximately 90 tonnes, has a maximum tractive effort of 300kN and a 480kVA train power supply system.
Deliveries of the first locomotives are scheduled for 2029-30. Although Akiem has not announced potential customers, the company’s CEO, Fabian Rochefort, says that the new locomotives will meet the needs of the “vast majority of customers… significantly reducing operating costs when compared with existing market solutions, while reducing CO₂ emissions and noise.” Akiem has ordered 120 Vectron and Vectron Dual Mode locomotives since 2021.
“With the Vectron Dual Mode battery-electric, we are taking a major development step based on the proven Vectron platform, adding a new fully electric member to the Vectron family,” says Andre Rodenbeck, CEO rolling stock at Siemens Mobility.
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