Siemens Mobility has received its first order for Vectron locomotives equipped with a battery module.
The battery module enables the Vectron to operate for short distances without an overhead power line, offering an eco-friendly way to cover the so-called last mile of service and carry out shunting runs without an overhead line.
high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack
The energy needed for this is supplied by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack with an intelligent battery management system to control charging and discharging.
Development of this functional package was funded as part of the federal “Future of Rail Freight Transport” program, aimed at quickly bringing to market rail innovations that strengthen competitiveness and logistics capabilities.
Vectron locomotives
Financing for the deal was secured at an early stage thanks to a structured financing solution
JeMyn AG, an affiliate of Widmer Rail Services AG, ordered the two Vectron locomotives with battery power modules.
Financing for the deal was secured at an early stage thanks to a structured financing solution arranged with its partner bank, Raiffeisen Schweiz Genossenschaft. Delivery of the locomotives is planned as of 2027.
battery power module
“We are delighted to be further expanding our Vectron fleet with Widmer Rail Services AG and would like to thank them for their trust in our locomotive platform,” said Andre Rodenbeck, CEO of Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.
"With the battery power module, our customers can now cover their entire operational routes electrically and with batteries, further reducing CO2 emissions in rail transport. For our customers, this development adds another innovative functional package to the successful Vectron family."
shunting operations
“With its new battery power module, the Vectron is the ideal locomotive for us. Thanks to this functional package, we can handle shunting operations even more efficiently without the assistance of additional shunting locomotives. This will enable us to further optimize our operating processes and save costs,” said Pierre Widmer, CEO of Widmer Rail Services AG.
“We are pleased to be making an active contribution to sustainable rail transport with our structured financing solution, and to be supporting JeMyn AG and Widmer Rail Services AG in their corporate development,” said Peter von Flüe from Raiffeisen Schweiz Genossenschaft.
Environmental aspects and the importance of the last mile
The new functional package marks an important step toward providing sustainable rail transport
The unique modularity of Vectron’s equipment gives operators full flexibility for their operations, even when there are no overhead power lines.
The battery power module eliminates the need for using electric or diesel-powered shunting locomotives, which not only makes economic sense but also benefits the environment. The new functional package marks an important step toward providing sustainable rail transport since it helps reduce emissions and noise pollution.
Facts and figures for the Vectron platform
With the latest order, Siemens Mobility has sold over 2,600 locomotives from the Vectron family to 103 customers in 16 countries.
To date, the Vectron fleet has completed a total mileage of over one billion kilometers and is proving its efficiency in daily operations. Locomotives from the Vectron family have received operating approval in 20 European countries.
