As an operator of the most climate-friendly mode of transport, the DB Group has been doing its part for the environment for years and has set out to become climate-neutral by 2040. On its road to climate neutrality, DB will phase out fossil fuels. Despite its considerable efforts, Deutsche Bahn cannot electrify every rail line. It is therefore gradually replacing all diesel locomotives with modern, climate-friendly locomotives that use alternative drive systems.
DB Cargo ordered 200 of these locomotives at the turn of the year. This most recent order means that a total of 300 new switching and main-line locomotives are in the pipeline, the first of which will go into service as early as next year. Around 900 diesel locomotives will be replaced over the long term.
300 green locomotives in use
DB has ordered 50 new locomotives from Vossloh Locomotives. The innovative locomotives are designed as plug-in hybrids but also have sufficient engine power with state-of-the-art exhaust gas cleaning to move freight trains weighing several thousand metric tons at shunting yards. The first locomotives will go into service in 2024. Deutsche Bahn is also procuring 100 Toshiba HDB 800 hybrid switching locomotives, which will also be used by DB Cargo beginning in 2024.
In addition, 150 dual-mode locomotives will soon make DB Cargo’s fleet even greener. Dual-mode locomotives offer the best of both worlds. They have a powerful electric drive system, allowing them to move heavy freight trains over long distances below the contact wire. If no contact lines are available, which is sometimes the case on secondary lines or when trains deliver freight to a customer’s premises, the drive system switches modes. DB ordered 100 of these Vectron Dual Mode locomotives from Siemens Mobility over a year ago. It has now added another 50 locomotives to the order, for a total of around 150.
Climate-friendly freight transport by rail
DB Cargo already uses climate-friendly electric locomotives for 95% of its traction power in the rail network. Opting for rail instead of the road can reduce the carbon footprint of freight by up to 80%. Soon, dual-mode or hybrid locomotives will handle switching at freight yards and transport along the last mile to the customer.
