Posted: 25 March 2026 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
New Vectron Dual Mode Electric Battery locomotive will support decarbonised rail operations with flexible performance on electrified and non electrified routes across Europe.
Credit: Siemens
Siemens Mobility and Akiem have signed a framework agreement for up to 80 Vectron locomotives, including a firm order for 50 units and the launch of a new Dual Mode Electric Battery variant.
The agreement builds on a long standing partnership between the two companies. Since 2021, Akiem has already ordered 120 Vectron and Vectron Dual Mode locomotives. The first deliveries under the new contract are scheduled for 2029 to 2030, with Akiem set to offer the locomotives for lease across the European market.
Battery powered dual mode operations
The new Vectron Dual Mode Electric Battery locomotive expands the Vectron platform by replacing the diesel engine with a modular traction battery system. This enables operation under overhead line electrification as well as on non electrified routes, supporting seamless cross network operations.
Designed for flexibility, the locomotive can be configured with battery capacity of more than 2 MWh and delivers up to 2,400 kW of power in both battery and electric modes. It is capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and offers a tractive effort of 300 kN, making it suitable for both freight and passenger services.
Andre Rodenbeck of Siemens Mobility said the development represents a major step in expanding the Vectron family with a fully electric solution that enhances operational flexibility while supporting sustainable rail transport.
Fabien Rochefort of Akiem added that the locomotive will meet a wide range of customer requirements, reducing operational costs and emissions while maintaining performance on routes without continuous electrification.
The new platform supports rail decarbonisation by reducing reliance on diesel traction, particularly on partially electrified corridors. Siemens Mobility continues to expand its portfolio of alternative traction solutions, including battery and hydrogen technologies, to support climate friendly rail operations.
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Related topics
Cargo, Freight & Heavy-Haul, Electric/Hybrid Rolling Stock, Hydrogen Trains, Infrastructure Developments, Operational Performance, Procurement, Rolling Stock Orders/Developments, Sustainability/Decarbonisation, Technology & Software
Facts Only
Akiem and Siemens Mobility have signed an agreement for up to 80 Vectron locomotives, with a firm order for 50 units and the launch of a new Dual Mode Electric Battery variant.
Deliveries are scheduled for 2029-2030.
Akiem will lease these locomotives across Europe.
The new locomotive can operate under overhead line electrification as well as on non-electrified routes.
It can be configured with battery capacity over 2 MWh and delivers up to 2,400 kW of power in both battery and electric modes.
It is capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and offers a tractive effort of 300 kN suitable for freight and passenger services.
Executive Summary
In a significant move towards sustainable rail operations, Siemens Mobility and Akiem have signed an agreement for up to 80 Vectron locomotives, including a firm order for 50 units and the launch of a new Dual Mode Electric Battery variant. The partnership builds on a longstanding collaboration between the two companies, with Akiem having already ordered 120 Vectron and Vectron Dual Mode locomotives since 2021. Deliveries under the new contract are scheduled for 2029-2030, and Akiem plans to lease these locomotives across Europe.
The new Vectron Dual Mode Electric Battery locomotive aims to enhance flexibility by replacing the diesel engine with a modular traction battery system. This enables operation under overhead line electrification as well as on non-electrified routes, thereby supporting seamless cross-network operations. The locomotive can be configured with battery capacity exceeding 2 MWh and delivers up to 2,400 kW of power in both battery and electric modes, capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and offering a tractive effort of 300 kN suitable for both freight and passenger services.
Full Take
Siemens Mobility and Akiem are expanding their partnership with the launch of a new Dual Mode Electric Battery Vectron locomotive, aiming to enhance operational flexibility while supporting sustainable rail transport. The locomotive can be configured for battery capacity over 2 MWh and delivers up to 2,400 kW of power in both battery and electric modes, capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and offering a tractive effort of 300 kN suitable for freight and passenger services.
Patterns detected: ARC-0024 Ambiguity (The article does not specify the exact number of locomotives under the firm order, and the total potential number is up to 80)
This development reflects a growing focus on sustainable rail operations through electrification and alternative traction solutions. The collaboration between Siemens Mobility and Akiem further solidifies their commitment to reducing emissions in the rail sector while maintaining performance on routes without continuous electrification.
The implications are far-reaching, as this initiative supports decarbonised rail operations by reducing reliance on diesel traction, particularly on partially electrified corridors. This step aligns with Siemens Mobility's continued expansion of its portfolio of alternative traction solutions, including battery and hydrogen technologies, to support climate-friendly rail operations across Europe.
What role does the development play in advancing sustainable rail transport across Europe?
How will the new Vectron Dual Mode Electric Battery locomotive impact decarbonisation efforts in the European rail sector?
What are the potential challenges and opportunities for Akiem in leasing these locomotives across various European markets?
Given that this is a news article from a reputable source, it is unlikely to be part of a coordinated influence campaign. However, if manipulated, a bad actor might attempt to frame the narrative as an overemphasis on the environmental benefits of battery-powered locomotives while downplaying their technical capabilities and potential drawbacks.