Luxembourg-based Nexrail, which specialises in locomotive leasing in Europe, has signed an agreement with Stadler for the supply of 200 battery-powered hybrid locomotives. The Swiss manufacturer has announced that it will produce the entire order at its plant in Valencia. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2029.

The new-generation locomotives combine up to 9 MW of pantograph power with high-performance Euro9000 batteries, which provide an additional 1.2 MW. This addition will make them the first locomotives capable of offering zero-emission freight transport from terminal to terminal.

The most demanding routes
The new locomotive is based on the six-axle Euro9000 platform, a multi-system architecture that facilitates smooth cross-border operation between Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy. Thanks to its power and traction capacity, it will be able to tackle the most demanding routes, such as the transalpine corridors.

The battery system provides extra power in direct current networks. This improves performance, allows more cargo to be transported and optimises route planning. The innovative intelligent battery management system also optimises savings through regenerative braking, helps reduce costs associated with electricity consumption peaks and, thanks to its storage capacity, allows energy to be purchased at the most economical times.

Joint commitment to sustainable innovation
Stadler Valencia President Iñigo Parra says that this order highlights “our joint commitment to sustainable innovation in rail freight transport. By combining high electrical performance with emission-free operation thanks to batteries, the Euro9000 sets a new standard in flexible and environmentally friendly traction solutions across Europe.’

Nexrail CEO Luuk von Meijenfeldt, for his part, is enthusiastic “about leading the European locomotive market towards an emission-free future. Stadler's Euro9000 is an important step in that transition, as it eliminates the need for diesel traction and offers freight operators new advantages thanks to on-board energy storage.’

^{Photo: Stadler}