Alstom started the development of its H3 shunting locomotive platform in 2010. Later on, the product was renamed ‘Prima H3’ putting it in one family with the 4-axle Prima H4 and other mainline Prima locomotives from the same manufacturer.

The H3 has 3 axles with one traction motor per axle. The H3 can be used for shunting and light mainline duties. Its minimum curve radius is 60 meter and its maximum speed 100 km/h.