CRRC ZELC will supply electric locomotives with traction batteries to Europe

photo: CRRC ZELC/CRRC ZELC will supply electric locomotives with traction batteries to Europe

A framework agreement was signed to supply the Northrail leasing company, which is part of the Paribus holding, up to 50 shunting and export electric locomotives DM 20 ‑ EBB with traction batteries. The locomotives will be built by Vossloh Locomotives, a subsidiary of CRRC ZELC, which is part of the Chinese CRRC corporation.

The two-system electric locomotives DM 20 ‑ EBB, additionally equipped with traction batteries, were originally developed for the German and Dutch markets based on the DM 20 technology platform, which allows the use of different power plants. The power of the locomotive at the wheel rim reaches 2500 kW when powered from an alternating current contact network and 1500 kW when powered from a direct current network. The traction battery with a capacity of 350 kWh provides a wheel rim power of 500 kW.

Delivery of the first DM 20 ‑ EBB locomotive to Northrail is scheduled for mid-2024. The investment arm of the Paribus holding and Northrail will work with Vossloh Locomotives and CRRC ZELC during the development phase of the locomotives to develop detailed technical parameters, as well as a concept of maintenance and repair. ... In addition, Northrail specialists will oversee the manufacture of locomotives.

Paribus Holding, headquartered in Hamburg, expects that the agreement will allow it to take a leading position in the transition to zero-emission shunting locomotives on European railways.