German Siemens Vectron locomotive for main lines in many European countries

It just so happens that many people know the German company Siemens as a manufacturer of mobile phones. But those who, for various reasons, back in Soviet times could travel to East Germany (for example, to serve), had a little more information.


Indeed, a number of serious products were produced under this name: machine tools, consumer electronics and much more. The railway equipment from this German company has always been a special feature and a source of pride.


By the end of the 20th century, Siemens locomotives gained well-deserved popularity among many European users. They have especially become widespread in their homeland and neighboring Austria. At that time, the equipment was produced on the EuroSprinter platform. Later, it was joined by models capable of working in areas with different voltages, including in the cross-border zone.

This significantly expanded the geography of the company's supplies. And German businessmen themselves realized the promise of trans-Alpine freight transport and the recently opened market of Eastern Europe. Later, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, etc. were added to the number of clients. Among the new areas, transportation from Northern European ports deep into the continent and from the Baltic coastal region to the Russian Federation also appeared.

A modern innovation is urgently needed

For some time, the company's existing locomotives coped with the increased demand. But retaining the market and maintaining a high image is simply impossible without timely homologation of the model range. This is exactly what Siemens did in the mid-2000s.



If the main electric locomotives had the ability to operate with both alternating and direct current, then for areas with no contact network there was a diesel option. Well, the “cherry on the cake” was a multi-system locomotive, which, practically, could be used under any conditions.

Therefore, Vectron has become a platform for cross-border rail transport across the entire continent. As a market-oriented and adaptable locomotive, it always meets current and future transport requirements. The result was several foreign contracts:

✅ Polish railways
✅ “Cesky dragi”
✅ American company Amtrak

In its overseas version it was called Amtrak Cities Sprinter. Having carried out the necessary adaptation to American highways, the German manufacturer presented excellent equipment for the Northeast Corridor. Siemens' cooperation with this partner lasted for several years.

Locomotive design elements

Of course, Vectron cannot be called an outright novelty. For various elements of its body and filling, the Germans used parts from previous models. This range is quite extensive and includes:

✅ train control package from Eurosprinter ES64F4
✅ control system from ES64U4
✅ traction system from ER20
✅ cab and replaceable front section (buffer) from the latest Eurosprinter

But most of all, this technology took from its predecessor Siemens ES 2007. But, in order to achieve a more attractive appearance, the front part of the train had to undergo significant design changes. In addition, the interior of the locomotive has also changed fundamentally, receiving a number of modern elements. Here are the indicators of various modifications of the four-axle vehicle:

✅ operating weight – 80-87 tons
✅ speed – 160 (AC, DE) or 200 (MS, DC) km/h
✅ power – 6400 (MS, AC) or 5200 (DC) kW

Among the five execution options, there are four electric versions and one diesel train (power – 2400 kW, maximum speed – 160 km/h). Over time (since 2018), the company replaced it with a more popular universal dual-mode design. This locomotive can switch to diesel operating mode when moving to non-electrified areas. After this, the Smartron version became the basic one.


Vectron is designed so that it can be tailored to specific country configurations or specific jobs. It simplifies reconfiguration for various security systems due to pre-designed replaceable elements:

✅ mounting points for track equipment
✅ modular safety cabinets in the body
✅ driver's table designed for a variety of equipment

For regional passenger and freight transport (also on DC networks), medium power versions (7 hp) are available. If necessary, you can purchase more powerful locomotives (000 hp). The default speed rating is 8, which can be increased to 600 km/h by adding semi-active yaw dampers that incorporate the bogie steering mechanism. Two years ago, an electric locomotive capable of accelerating to 160 km/h appeared.

Body design

The locomotive body is self-supporting, consisting of a number of elements: a subframe (central and two side sills), transverse supports for the bogie and transformer pins, end sills and side walls. The Vectron received a three-section removable roof and two driver's cabs. Located at the ends of the structure, they have a replaceable front part. You can also change sections of the buffer beam, which are a separate element.


The main transformer and batteries are located under the frame; all other electrical equipment is in the main compartment of the electric locomotive. The traditional German order is that each element of equipment has its own installation position reserved.

The trolleys transmit force through a central axle. Traction motors are flexibly supported on their frame and connected to gearboxes mounted on the wheel pair via a multi-plate clutch. A full hollow shaft drive system (folded driveshaft) is also optional. Disc brakes on the wheels provide mechanical stopping of the train.

Vectron is capable of working in both twin and group or push-pull versions with similar locomotives or models of previous series. In the case of using only one section, the installation of a damping module is required, replacing the second part of the structure.


All of the above allows the German locomotive to offer customers interchangeability and flexible upgrade or conversion options. This is achieved through excellent standardization of the design, including a number of identical parts:

✅ front part
✅ driver's cabin
✅ brake equipment
✅ control system

The Vectron is designed so that any components deformed in a collision can be quickly replaced. The front part is completely removable, so it is sometimes stored separately in a pre-assembled form. This means that, in the event of an accident, the locomotive can be quickly replaced and returned to service. In addition, the train complies with all TSI standards and ensures complete freedom in cross-border traffic.

Further expansion of use and prospects

The Vectron locomotive has received an official license to operate in the Nordic Corridor (AT-DE-DK-SE-NO). Thanks to this, freight and passenger trains will be able to run on it without the need to change the leading electric locomotive.

The most popular version on the market is the dual-drive version. To date, Siemens Mobility has sold approximately 18 Vectron Dual Mode locomotives to 200 customers. The new product is equipped with the PZB train safety system. Its traction power is 2 kW in both operating modes. Tank volume – 000 liters of diesel fuel. Maximum operating speed is 2 km/h.


In 2024, RSL will supply 22 more Siemens Vectron locomotives to Český Draghi. The price of each of them, including the necessary equipment for operation on European railways, will be about 4 million euros (400 million rubles). The total number of units of equipment of various modifications sold exceeded the half-thousand mark.