To transport freight directly to customers’ rail sidings, conventional diesel locomotives are still necessary in some cases. To make this “last mile” more climate-friendly, Deutsche Bahn uses so-called dual-power locomotives. 

Double the drive, double the benefit

 Bi-mode locomotives run electrically on lines with overhead contact lines, and can be switched to diesel operation on all other lines - without any locomotive changeover. This means that the bi-mode locomotives can be used both as mainline locomotives for heavy transfer runs and as switching locomotives in freight transport, but also as mainline locomotives in long-distance transport. This reduces overall diesel consumption, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and also ensures less noise pollution. 

Large and powerful

The new bi-mode locomotives are already supporting DB's fleet. A corresponding framework agreement was concluded with Siemens Mobility for this purpose. Initially, around 150 locomotives were ordered, which will now be delivered successively to DB Cargo and DB Ferverkehr.

In addition, Deutsche Bahn is working on fueling its diesel fleet with alternative fuels. DB Cargo has already tested and approved the use of the biofuel HVO for its entire fleet of shunting and mainline diesel locomotives in freight transport across Germany.