Stadler's hybrid locomotive, EURO9000, will enter new territory with operational approval granted in the Netherlands and Belgium. This will mean it expands its reach beyond Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As well as the approval in both Netherlands and Belgium, Italy is expected to grant an operating licence in 2024.
The EURO9000 is an interoperable locomotive, boasting a 9 MW power output that has been designed to be used on many of Europe’s main railway corridors and specifically built to tackle the challenges of international freight transport. The flexibility of the locomotive means it can run on both AC and DC electrified routes.
Stadler confirmed that it adhered to strict interoperability standards and can be equipped with country-specific safety systems like ETCS. The basic configuration covers Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium, where two prototypes have been successfully tested in the last two years.
Iñigo Parra, executive vice president of Stadler Division Spain, says: “The challenges associated with the interoperability of European rail networks and the European Union’s requirements to shift more freight transport to rail, motivated us at Stadler to develop one of our most innovative products – the EURO9000.
“This underlines our commitment and our pioneering role in shaping the future of rail freight transport.”
Notably, the EURO9000 can travel at high speeds on primary European corridors with mixed traffic. Its high power also allows longer, heavier trains to be pulled by a single locomotive and also boasts three different drive systems – Electric, diesel and battery drive.
Leasing company European Loc Pool has snapped up 30 units, with 7 already hauling freight across Europe. Alpha Trains followed suit with an order for 12, set to join the fleet in 2025.
Photo: Stadler
