In 2019, Rail Cargo Hungaria (RCH) announced it would get two multi-system locomotives and two “e-hybrid” shunters from Chinese CRRC ZELC. On 25.06.2021, 461 001 reached Hungary. The second unit, 461 002 followed on 22.05.2022. After many tests, it is finally time for regular services.
On 24.10.2024, the two electric+battery shunting locomotives officially received the authorization for placement in service for Hungary. This completes a lengthy period of test services in that country – it is also means that a Chinese manufacturer has a new center of opertions from where it can try to grow its market share in Europe.
RCH will be using the 461s in the yards of Székesfehérvár and Soroksár in single wagonload service.
CRRC paid extra attention to RCH’s modification requirements and the local ergonomic aspects. During the tests, 461 001 and 002 covered a total of 40,000 kilometres on the Hungarian and foreign railway infrastructure.
A bit of background
In 2019, CRRC and Rail Cargo Hungaria (RCH), part of ÖBB, found each other with a project for four locomotives, two class 461 Grasshopper shunters and two class TSI-compliant 181 Bison mainline electrics. RCH is renting the locomotives under a full-service contract and CRRC covers all development costs (!).
RCH has started negotiations for ordering more machines. It can also order an additional twenty vehicles. RCH can also extend the lease of 461 001/2002 or acquire these.
Made in China
The locomotives, manufactured in the southeastern Chinese province of Hunan, weigh 72 tonnes. A lithium-titanate battery powers them to assist in shunting operations which cna be recharged using the pantogrpahs. In battery-mode, the Grapsshopper can haul an 800-tonne train at 20 km/h for 85 minutes.
As for the mainline electrics, the approval process to equip these locomotives with ETCS has started so that they can operate in the countries of Southeast Europe (Serbia, Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia).
CRRC E-hybrid locomotives tech specs:
- Axle arrangement: Bo’Bo’
- Power output in electric mode: 850 kW (25 kV 50 Hz)
- Power output in battery mode: 350 kW (enabling towing 800-tonnes train for 85 minutes at a speed of 20 km/h)
- Weight: 72.2 tonnes
- Vmax: 100 km/h
- Length: 18.3 meters
- Starting tractive effort 250 kN
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