InnoTrans, Berlin 2024: Stadler introduces the new interoperable and multisystem Bo’Bo’ locomotives for continental Europe in a first contract for 36 units. The agreement includes an option for 93 additional vehicles. In a market dominated by multi-system Bo’Bo’ locomotives, could this be the next big locomotive platform?
The Swiss freight operator awards Stadler the tender launched in early 2024 for the supply of thirty-six electric multisystem (25 kVAC/ 15 kVAC / 3 kV DC) locomotives. SBB Cargo will use these locomotives to replace the ageing class 420 locomotives.
The new Bo’Bo’ locomotives are the natural evolution of the successful EUROLIGHT, EURODUAL, and EURO9000 families designed for freight and passenger service in European railways.
Their flexible design includes two 500 kW diesel engines or two traction battery modules providing up to 2MW power for last-mile operations in non-electrified tracks. A combination of both is also possible. They are equipped with a Radio Remote Control System for operation on track works or shunting operations on yards.
From a performance, efficiency, and flexibility perspective, the locomotives set a milestone in the European Bo’Bo’ segment. They provide a maximum tractive effort of up to 350 kN and a tractive power of 7 MW at the wheel rim. Among other operational advantages, its low energy consumption and the option for a digital automatic coupler stand out.
They meet the technical specification for interoperability (TSI) and are equipped with various country packages. These include conventional automatic train protection systems and ETCS to ensure smooth cross-border operations. The initial configuration with Switzerland, Germany, and Austria can be extended to other countries. The first locomotives will arrive at SBB Cargo between 2027 and 2029, with an option existing for 93 more until 2035.
The locomotives are provided with two driving cabs designed according to the most demanding ergonomic criteria and fully comply with the comfort and noise requirements of the latest European standards. Cabs that include an HVAC system ensure maximum driver comfort in the operating environment. Each cab has two rear-view cameras and two side control panels to facilitate shunting operations.
Iñigo Parra, Executive Vice President of Stadler Division Spain, says: “We have used all of our experience from previous successful families to offer the next-generation solution for rail transportation with the new Bo’Bo’ locomotive. I am convinced it will set a new standard in this segment.”
Alexander Muhm, Head of Freight Services at SBB, says: “A modern and efficient fleet is a prerequisite for successful rail freight transport at SBB. We are confident that, with the vehicles from Stadler, we are acquiring a locomotive with which we can reliably serve our customers and lead Swiss rail freight transport forward into the future. We are taking a central step in the necessary transformation of rail freight transport. ”
A new major player?
Railcolor: What is presented today has the potential to be a huge milestone for Stadler. Multisystem Bo’Bo’ locomotives dominate the current market in Europe and are in massive demand. Stadler’s EURO9000 and EuroDual platforms are relatively successful at the moment but are ultimately limited to filling a niche in the market. This new version could prove to be a true competitor to Siemens’ Vectron (which held a near monopoly in the early 2020s) and Alstom’s overhauled Traxx Universal, as Stadler has shown to get its rolling stock successfully homologated in most countries in Europe.
It remains to be seen whether this is an attractive option for Europe’s leasing companies, but the potential is there anyway. For now, it’ll take several years before the platform is successfully developed and homologated, so its true potential could come to fruition around the early 2030s.
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