Siemens Vectron Dual Mode: A Flexible Locomotive for Sustainability

Siemens is showing us the Vectron Dual Mode locomotive at the transport logistic 2019 trade fair in Munich. What makes it special? The Vectron Log runs under overhead lines with electricity and on routes without overhead lines with diesel.

Siemens locomotive Vectron Dual Mode

The Vectron Dual Mode, as the name suggests, can run in two modes. A classic Vectron diesel locomotive serves as the basis. In addition, a pantograph has been installed, which makes it possible to run with the same traction power under the overhead line. This saves maintenance and energy costs. Electric operation is significantly more cost-effective than pure diesel operation of a locomotive.

Costs for the Vectron Dual Mode locomotive

The additional price of the Vectron Dual Mode is within a range of 15-20 percent compared to a classic diesel locomotive. This means that the additional cost is amortized within a few years. After that, you save money thanks to the cost-efficient operation.

In addition, the Vectron Dual Mode is much more flexible because you can run on routes without overhead lines. On routes with overhead lines, however, you can switch to operation with overhead lines.