photo: ČD CARGO/ČD Cargo was the first in the Czech Republic to order 2 Vectron AC locomotives with a Diesel Power Module
ČD Cargo and Siemens Mobility have signed a contract for 2 Vectron AC locomotives equipped with a Diesel Power Module (DPM). This is the first order of these locomotives in the Czech Republic. The contract also provides maintenance services for 4 years. The vehicles will be delivered in the spring of 2023.
ČD Cargo, which already operates 12 of its Vectron locomotives within its vehicle fleet and still leases others, has ordered two Vectron AC electric locomotives with a Diesel Power Module (DPM) from Siemens Mobility. This is now the first order of locomotives, that can get operated either in the mode of supply from the electric traction line of 15 kV or 25 kV (dependent electric traction, rated traction power of 6,400 kW) or in the so-called Last Mile mode. Last Mile mode got designed to overcome the final section without traction line. For this, Vectron AC locomotives got equipped with a Diesel Power Module (DPM). It consists of a diesel-electric unit, located together with accessories and a fuel tank in the locomotive, capable of supplying electricity to the traction and auxiliary drives of the locomotive (independent diesel-electric traction, internal combustion engine power 180 kW).
"We currently use three leased locomotives with last-mile diesel technology within our branch in Austria. The very positive experience with this technology, which eliminates the need to use another shunting locomotive when operating the last mile, in most cases the siding network of our customers, confirmed us to purchase them. We have a great experience with Siemens Vectron locomotives at the head of our trains, which is why we are glad that our fleet will get expanded by two more vehicles, now also with DPM technology, " says Tomáš Tóth, Chairman of the Board of ČD Cargo.
Locomotives are part of our long-term concept of revitalization and sustainability of the vehicle fleet. Among other things, we acquire at least ten new locomotives of similar parameters every year. Vectron AC and DPM are moving the interoperability of this type of locomotive and, of course, our entire locomotive fleet a little further.
"Vectron AC with Diesel Power Module (DPM) is a crucial investment in the future of sustainable rail freight. It allows you to quickly and at a low cost overcome short non-electrified sections at the beginning or end of a cargo train journey. Thanks to this, a single electric locomotive can transport a freight train along its entire length without the need to use other engine shunting locomotives,” says Roman Kokšal, CEO of Siemens Mobility Czech Republic.
He also adds: “The operation of these locomotives increases the attractiveness and economy of rail freight. They are therefore an effective tool for achieving the goal of shifting freight from road to electric rail."
In addition, the Vectron AC with DPM got equipped with the European train protection system ETCS Level 2 Baseline 3, including approvals already granted for both types of ETCS lines of the Railway Administration and other ETCS lines in Europe. The national train protection devices PZB, LZB and Mirel are also installed. The locomotive has already been granted approvals for operation in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, and Hungary.