Hybrid-Ready and Borderless: Stadler’s EURO DuFour Targets Top Competitors

At Transport Logistic 2025, Stadler made one thing clear: it's here to challenge the status quo. With the launch of its new EURO DuFour locomotive, the Swiss manufacturer is entering the high-performance freight game—bringing 7 MW of power, hybrid options, and category C access into one ultra-modern machine.

Stadler has officially launched its most powerful 4-axle electric locomotive to date—the EURO DuFour—at Transport Logistic 2025 in Munich, taking a bold step into the premium freight segment. Developed at the company’s Valencia plant, this lightweight yet high-performance locomotive is designed to operate across multiple European electrification systems, offering 7 MW of power, modular construction, and full compatibility with Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) and FRMCS systems.

The EURO DuFour platform is built for flexibility, performance and cost-efficiency. With a starting weight of just 80 tonnes—extendable to 90 tonnes with a battery pack—the locomotive can access C2, C3, and C4 category rail lines, unlocking routes previously inaccessible to heavier models. It’s also the only locomotive in its class to offer electric, hybrid diesel, and hybrid battery options, ensuring deployment on both electrified and non-electrified networks.

🚆 #Stadler enters the 4-axle race with its new EURO DuFour—7 MW power, AC/DC/hybrid options & just 80–90t for broader line access. A bold rival to Vectron & Traxx.

Named after Switzerland’s highest peak 🇨🇭
More: //t.co/vPGRxEwYnd#Stadler #EURODuFour #RailTech…

— RAILMARKET (@RAILMARKETCOM) June 4, 2025

Stadler’s Hydrogen Train Innovation: RS ZERO HEMU

But the EURO DuFour isn’t Stadler’s only step forward. As reported by RAILTARGET, the manufacturer has also launched the RS ZERO HEMU, a hydrogen-powered train designed for regional lines lacking electrification. First revealed at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, the unit comes in single- or two-car versions, with the HEMU1 offering up to 75 seats and a top speed of 120 km/h and will be presented next week at the Rail Business Days fair in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The RS ZERO HEMU platform is optimised for low-emission regional operations, offering high accessibility and customisation. Its low-floor configuration, wide 130 cm double-leaf doors, and thoughtful provisions for bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs make it ideal for blended regional-metro use. The hydrogen-powered variant is accompanied by a battery version, RS ZERO BEMU, giving customers multiple decarbonised options.

While some interior aspects remain basic—such as seating—the modular layout and customer-focused adaptability allow operators to tailor the train to specific service needs. Innovations like horizontal bike mounting, more intuitive door designs, and open-plan interiors reflect real-world passenger experience priorities.

A Presence at Every Key Rail Event

Stadler’s visibility across major rail fairs underscores its market agility and commitment to next-gen technology. In addition to Transport Logistic 2025 and InnoTrans 2024, the company continues to actively participate in the largest European mobility showcases, maintaining strong ties with freight and passenger operators across the continent.

With the EURO DuFour poised to rival Siemens’ Vectron and Alstom’s Traxx, and the RS ZERO platform targeting low-emission regional mobility, Stadler is diversifying its offer across both core market segments. The company’s emphasis on modularity, sustainability, and future-readiness positions it as a crucial player in Europe’s push for modal shift and carbon-neutral transport.

Sources: Stadler, RAILTARGET