DB Cargo is going to cooperate with Toshiba from Japan, one of the leading Asian suppliers in the field of rail vehicle technology. Together they are going to conduct a feasibility study for the joint development and the subsequent acquisition of initially 100 new hybrid locomotives by DB Cargo.
The hybrid vehicles are to be used as short-range shunting locomotives and, in addition to significantly lower fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs, enable a higher average fleet availability. The first test vehicles are expected to be available by the end of 2019. No financial details are given.
With the deal, DB Cargo hopes to develop the supplier market for new freight locomotives and their components. DB Cargo senses that the innovative power of European manufacturers is declining, as competition is low. Toshiba offers DB Cargo access to future technologies, which are currently not available on the European market. The German freight operator also hopes to improve its knowledge about the new tech being used in revenue service and during maintenance.
Toshiba already has experience with hybrid (battery) shunting locomotives. In March 2010, it presented the first HD300 series shunter for JP Freight. Toshiba itself also provides datasheets and a video about the HD300 project.
In return, DB Cargo offers Toshiba access to the European market, where it has not been able to establish itself yet. This is mainly due to the lack of experience in operation in Europe, the complexity of licensing procedures and the lack of partners. DB Cargo intends to overcome these hurdles for Toshiba, in order to make the European market for rail vehicle technology more viable.
Next to new locomotives, DB Cargo and Toshiba are also working on together on project HELMS, which includes the rebuilding of two V90 locomotives as hybrid heavy duty shunters.
Update 13.02.2017: Eisenbahn Kurier
The German magazine ‘Eisenbahn Kurier’ (issue 03/2017) gives more details about the hybrid shunting locomotive which is being developed by Toshiba and DB Cargo. The feasibility study shows us a 800 kW (diesel power) 4-axle locomotive with center cab weighing +/- 80t and having a topspeed of 100 km/u. Additionally, a 180 kW battery set is installed.
A working prototype will be presented during InnoTrans 2018. Final commissioning of the of the future ‘Baureihe 280’ will be be completed after the railway fair in Berlin. Next to DB Cargo, also lease company Railpool will a future customer of these locomotives.
Possibly, more powerful versions will come later, including 90t 120 km/h fast version for use on ‘Nebenbahnen’.
When we brought the first news about this project, we included an image of the HD300 series locomotive for JP Freight (see title image). This is diesel+battery locomotive. The version DB Cargo and Toshiba are showing now, keeps more options open. There is a pantograph (full electric), a diesel generator module, a battery set and fuel tanks for diesel or CNG/LPG.
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