Siemens unveils heavy battery locomotive with 2 MWh capacity and pantograph

Siemens Mobility has announced a new Vectron Dual Mode electric locomotive that can operate without a diesel generator for power generation. Instead, the Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery, as it is officially called, features a large battery pack with a capacity of 2 MWh. This is approximately four times the capacity of a short regional train such as the Mireo Plus BEMU (battery electric multiple unit).

The new Dual Mode is a mainline locomotive intended to haul trains over longer distances. Typically, dual-mode Vectrons are used in freight transport. In Germany, the electric/diesel-electric version of the Dual Mode is also needed for ICE trains. The new diesel ICE L can hit speeds of 99 mph with a Vectron. The battery version also reaches 99 mph. This makes it significantly slower than regular Vectrons, which Siemens also offers with top speeds of 124 mph and 143 mph.

This suggests that the new battery Vectron will likely be used for freight transport, where high speeds are not a priority. However, it is certainly possible that the new locomotive will also be used for passenger trains. Especially in Germany, there are still many important passenger routes that lack an overhead wire. Additionally, routes are frequently out of service because they require general renovations.

Siemens has not provided specific details regarding the range of the Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery. However, range depends on the load at the coupling. Unlike BEMU passenger trains, there are significant differences in this regard. Interestingly, the new locomotive can provide 2,400 kW at the wheels in both operating modes. This makes it more powerful than the diesel version. While the diesel generator in the Dual Mode also provides 2,400 kW, it can only deliver 2,000 kW at the wheels. The starting tractive effort is identical at 300 kN. Regular Vectrons are available with 320 and 350 kN. Essentially, the increased operational flexibility comes at the price of reduced performance.

With a weight of 90 metric tons, the battery version of the Dual Mode is just as heavy as the regular Vectron Dual Mode models with a full tank. Naturally, it does not become lighter during a journey. In return, it doesn’t need any refueling stops, as the battery can simply be charged while traveling under an overhead wire. At the same time, it should be possible to recover energy during braking, even if an overhead wire is missing. However, Siemens did not explicitly mention this in the official announcement. Either way, the diesel-electric Dual Mode cannot do this.

According to Siemens Mobility, the leasing company Akiem will be the first customer for the locomotive. Akiem already offers multi-system Vectrons that can handle different voltages. Akiem vehicles can be identified by the F-AKIEM markings on the side. The leasing company is expected to receive the first locomotives in 2029/2030.