Siemens Mobility, a technology and sustainability leader in rail and Akiem, Europe’s leading provider of locomotive and passenger train leasing and maintenance, have signed a framework agreement for the purchase of 80 Vectron locomotives, with a firm order of 50, which includes the launch of the new Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery locomotives and an option for 30 additional units. With the new locomotive, Siemens Mobility is further developing its proven Vectron Dual Mode platform and expanding the Vectron family with a battery-based solution. The locomotives can operate both under overhead line power and on nonelectrified sections using traction batteries.

Siemens Mobility will deliver the first locomotives from 2029/2030, enabling Akiem, as the launch customer, to offer them for lease to the market. The agreement builds on the long-standing partnership between the two companies. Prior to this latest order, Akiem had already placed several firm orders with Siemens Mobility for a total of 120 Vectron and Vectron Dual Mode locomotives since 2021. With the new battery-based Vectron Dual Mode, Siemens Mobility supports rail decarbonization by enabling efficient, climate-friendly operations on routes without end-to-end electrification, further strengthening sustainable rail freight as demand continues to grow.

Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery: innovation based on proven concept

The new Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery is built on the proven Vectron Dual Mode platform and is designed for a similar range of operations. Instead of a diesel engine, it uses a modular traction battery system, allowing the locomotive to run both under overhead lines and on routes without continuous electrification. It is planned with flexible battery configurations of up to more than 2 MWh and is designed to deliver up to 2,400 kW to the wheels in both battery mode and when operating under AC overhead line power. The new Vectron Dual Mode Electric/Battery is also designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h, a maximum tractive effort of 300 kN, a weight of approximately 90 tons, and comes with a train supply power of 480 kVA.

Siemens Mobility is one of the leaders in alternative traction technologies for rail and is consistently advancing decarbonization with proven battery and hybrid solutions – for example, by further developing the Vectron platform toward battery-enabled variants such as the Vectron with Battery Power Module. In regional rail, Siemens Mobility is also enabling low-emission operations on partially or non-electrified routes with the Mireo Plus B (battery) and the Mireo Plus H (hydrogen). At the same time, Siemens Mobility continues to expand its portfolio of alternative traction solutions to provide operators with additional options for climate-friendly rail services.

Press Release